In the high-stakes world of NBA playoffs, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle believes the game can be both immensely complex and remarkably simple. Before Tuesday’s Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, Carlisle reflected on the intricate nature of basketball, emphasizing, “NBA games are games with five or six thousand events that happen throughout the game.” He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of playoff games, especially at this critical juncture in the season.
However, Carlisle also highlighted the straightforward aspect of the game. “Right now, it’s pretty simple,” he said. “If you don’t hit somebody and go get the ball, you’re going to lose.”
This simplicity was evident as the New York Knicks overpowered the Pacers early on Tuesday night. Isaiah Hartenstein set the tone with an offensive rebound just 61 seconds into the game, and the Knicks dominated the boards, securing 20 offensive rebounds. Hartenstein’s 12 offensive rebounds, a career-high, contributed significantly to the Knicks’ 26 second-chance points. The Knicks’ physicality resulted in a commanding 62-36 advantage in paint scoring, leading to a decisive 121-91 victory.
Jalen Brunson, who struggled in previous games, returned to form, scoring 44 points on 18-for-35 shooting. His performance was crucial in the Knicks’ win, as he torched every defensive coverage the Pacers threw at him. This marked Brunson’s fifth 40-point game in the 2024 playoffs, joining the ranks of legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, and Bernard King.
“We’ve all come to expect him to almost be superhuman every night,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson. “He’s an incredible player. He’s loaded up on every night. He’s the focal point of everyone’s game plan … He’s like a machine.”
Thibodeau’s strategic adjustment to start Miles “Deuce” McBride over Precious Achiuwa played a significant role in the victory. McBride’s shooting and ball-handling skills provided additional support for Brunson, while his defensive efforts helped contain Pacers’ All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton was limited to 13 points and five assists, significantly less than his usual output.
As the series heads back to Indiana, the Pacers must regroup and find answers quickly. “We’ve got to make some serious adjustments for Game 6,” Carlisle said. “We need to get out of here, and get home.”
The Knicks, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and close out the series, aiming for their first Eastern Conference finals berth since 2000.
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