The Eastern Conference Finals series between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks reaches a critical Game 6 in Indianapolis. The Pacers currently hold a 3-2 lead and have an opportunity to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since the year 2000.
Standing in their way are the resilient Knicks. After dropping two games at home at Madison Square Garden and one on the road, New York extended the series and kept their comeback hopes alive by securing their first win against the Pacers in New York during Game 5.
NBA analysts weigh in on the most important aspects to observe ahead of this pivotal Game 6. They discuss what Indiana needs to do to finalize the series victory and the adjustments the Knicks and their coach, Tom Thibodeau, must make to force a deciding Game 7 back in New York.
How We Got Here
When the Pacers overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to win Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, it seemed likely the best-of-seven series would unfold this way: with Indiana holding a 3-2 advantage and a chance to reach the NBA Finals. The Pacers have largely controlled the flow of the series, consistently targeting the Knicks` defense, particularly Jalen Brunson. Tyrese Haliburton has delivered stellar performances, including an exceptional 32-point, 15-assist, zero-turnover outing in Game 4. However, this trend reversed in Game 5, as New York led from start to finish to send the series back to Indiana for Game 6.
The Pacers will reach their first NBA Finals since 2000 if ______.
Tyrese Haliburton bounces back strongly. Following one of the most impressive playoff performances by a point guard in Game 4, Haliburton had a disappointing outing in Game 5.
The Pacers` success often mirrors Haliburton`s performance. This has been consistent throughout the season, both in the regular season and playoffs: they hold a 30-3 record when Haliburton scores over 20 points. This pattern is even more pronounced in the postseason. He averages 21.3 points on 47.7% shooting in their 11 playoff wins, compared to just 11.5 points on 39% shooting in their four losses. In Game 5, Haliburton managed only eight points.
While Haliburton`s scoring numbers don`t always tell the full story due to his playmaking unlocking the Pacers` offense, he admitted he needs to be more aggressive in Game 6 and vowed to improve. “I`ve got to be better,” Haliburton stated after Game 5. “And I will be better in Game 6.”
Who is the biggest X factor needing to step up in Game 6?
For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith shot poorly (1-for-8) and played limited minutes (16) in Game 5. He later acknowledged his ankle is not fully healthy. Despite this, he remains a vital contributor on both ends of the court, providing spacing offensively (shooting 50% from three-point range in the playoffs) and serving as the team`s primary defender on Jalen Brunson. Indiana needs him to be healthier and more effective in Game 6.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson`s defense is the crucial X factor. Indiana has targeted him consistently throughout the series, overwhelming him in Game 4 where the Pacers scored a high 1.53 points per possession when Brunson guarded ball screens directly leading to a shot, foul, or turnover, according to GeniusIQ. However, in Game 5, Indiana was less effective in targeting Brunson, scoring just 0.83 points per direct pick. This marked Brunson`s first positive defensive contribution of the series based on Net Points, and New York hopes he can replicate this defensive effort in Game 6 alongside his usual offensive output.
The most crucial decision Tom Thibodeau should consider for Game 6 is ____.
His player rotation, specifically his continued flexibility with it. While not typically known for extensive rotation changes, this adaptability has been a saving grace for Thibodeau and the Knicks in this series.
One key reason New York was able to force a Game 6 was their ability to manage Isaiah Hartenstein`s foul trouble in the second half of Game 5. When he picked up his fourth foul, Thibodeau quickly adjusted, bringing in Mitchell Robinson. The Pacers initially tried to intentionally foul the poor free-throw shooting big man, and the Knicks` 20-point lead briefly narrowed to 10.
However, Thibodeau then substituted in Precious Achiuwa, a player not frequently used, and the Knicks responded with a 12-0 run shortly after, pushing the lead back to 22. Thibodeau has found success throughout the series by relying on reserves like Miles McBride (referred to incorrectly as Delon Wright/Landry Shamet in the original text) who are capable defenders and can hold up against Indiana`s high-powered offense.
Game 7 at the Garden would be ____.
Simply put, it would be electrifying. Last year, these two teams faced off in an intense seven-game series. However, that Game 7 at MSG was effectively over early, as New York was missing four starters due to injury by the end of the first quarter (Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby). This turned the remainder of the game into a formality. If the Knicks manage to push the series back to New York – which is a significant challenge given the advantages Indiana has shown for most of the series – there would be no more exhilarating place on Earth than Madison Square Garden at tip-off on Monday night. It`s a thrilling possibility, but the Knicks have considerable work ahead to make it a reality.
