Pacers Dominate Knicks at Home, Take 3-1 Series Lead

On May 27, 2025, the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 130-121 in Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This gave the Pacers a 3-1 lead in the series. The Pacers need to win one more game to get in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Indiana played better than New York because Nicks can't get much help from their bench. Indiana's team basketball and effective offense were the keys to their success. This article goes over the game's progress, the best players' performances, the strategies used, and the series' future.

Game Progression: Pacers Control Tempo, Knicks Fight but Fall Short

The Pacers seized control early, with Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating a 15-4 opening run. The Knicks started sluggishly, as Jalen Brunson struggled, going 1-for-7 in the first quarter, leaving New York trailing 31-19. In the second, the Knicks mounted a brief rally led by Karl-Anthony Towns’ interior scoring, but Indiana’s bench, sparked by T.J. McConnell’s 8 points, maintained dominance. The Pacers led 69-41 at halftime.

In the third, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges hit threes to narrow the gap, but Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner’s inside-out play kept Indiana in control. The fourth quarter saw the Knicks mount a comeback attempt, but the Pacers’ 21-6 run sealed the game. Indiana recorded 32 assists, shot 52.3% from the field, and hit 41.7% from three, showcasing their offensive firepower.

Key Player Performances: Haliburton Shines, Brunson Battles

Haliburton led the Pacers with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, controlling both ends of the floor. Siakam delivered 30 points and 8 rebounds, a playoff career-high, while Turner added 16 points and 3 blocks, stifling Towns. The bench contributed significantly, with McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin scoring 10 and 12 points, respectively, highlighting Indiana’s depth.

For the Knicks, Brunson fought through defensive pressure, finishing with 31 points and 5 assists, though his efficiency was impacted by Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard’s defense. Towns managed 24 points and 12 rebounds but went 1-for-5 from three. Hart and Bridges scored 14 and 12 points, respectively, but couldn’t offset the bench’s inefficiency. The Knicks’ bench, led by Miles McBride’s 4 points, mustered only 15 points compared to Indiana’s 38.

player	score	assist	fg	3pt	+/-
Haliburton	32	15	47%	41%	+16
Brunson	31	5	47%	33%	-16

Tactical Analysis: Pacers’ Team Ball Overpowers Knicks’ “Five-Mule Strategy”

Indiana’s “random offense philosophy,” driven by Haliburton’s playmaking and fast-paced transitions, disrupted New York’s rhythm. Their 10-man rotation maintained energy, with third- and fourth-quarter defensive intensity stifling the Knicks. The Pacers’ league-leading 29.7 assists per game were on full display, with Siakam and Turner exploiting mismatches. Their switching defense on Brunson limited his drives, forcing New York into inefficient 31.8% three-point shooting.

The Knicks’ reliance on Tom Thibodeau’s “five-mule strategy” exposed flaws, with starters logging over 35 minutes each—Brunson and Hart nearing 40—leading to fatigue. New York’s bench, averaging a league-low 21.7 points, was outclassed by Indiana’s fifth-ranked 38-point bench output. The Knicks’ half-court offense struggled against Indiana’s pressure, and OG Anunoby’s limited play due to injury left them vulnerable to Siakam.

Series Outlook: Pacers Surge, Knicks on the Brink

With a 3-1 lead, the Pacers hold momentum, bolstered by home-court advantage and depth. Game 5, set for May 29 at Madison Square Garden, is a must-win for the Knicks, who need to address fatigue and bench woes. Brunson’s continued production and Towns’ outside shooting are critical, with Anunoby’s injury a lingering concern. If Indiana sustains their team-oriented, fast-paced style, they could close the series in Game 5 or 6.

For the Knicks to stage a comeback, they must diversify their offense, reduce reliance on Brunson and Towns, and increase minutes for players like Mitchell Robinson while tightening defense on Haliburton. However, history shows only a 4% chance of overcoming a 0-3 deficit, leaving New York’s hopes slim.

Conclusion

On May 27, 2025, the Pacers’ 130-121 victory over the Knicks in Game 4 showcased their dominance through teamwork and depth. Haliburton and Siakam’s stellar play, combined with a robust bench, overwhelmed New York, whose fatigue and lack of bench production proved costly. As the series shifts to Game 5, Indiana is one step from the Finals, while the Knicks need a miracle to stay alive. This matchup highlights the clash between team synergy and individual heroics, with the Pacers proving the power of collective strength.

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