Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' top scorer, finished the game with 31 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds. However, this was not enough as a Tyrese Haliburton masterclass fueled the Pacers' steady offense to maintain the gap throughout the game.

Karl-Anthony Towns knew where the Eastern Conference finals stood as he evaluated the pain in his left knee prior to the Thursday game. The New York Knicks were staring at elimination, and the consequences supplied Towns with a clear course of action.