Knicks force Game 6 in ECF thanks to Towns' 'do or die' mentality
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) scores against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
NEW YORK - Karl-Anthony Towns, initially uncertain to play due to a bruised left knee, contributed significantly to the New York Knicks' victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals: "Do or die," he told reporters after the game.
Player Determination:
Despite being listed as questionable, Towns was determined to play, stating, "I looked at the game and it said Game 5. Do or die. That was pretty much all I needed to see."
His performance included 24 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Knicks secure a 111-94 win to stay alive in the series.
Friday's New York Post cover
The Knicks maintained their starting lineup from Game 3, with Towns at forward and Mitchell Robinson at center, aiming to improve rebounding and defense against the Pacers. This strategy paid off as the Knicks led 56-45 at halftime, avoiding early deficits that plagued previous games.
Jalen Brunson's strong start and Towns' second-quarter performance were pivotal, while Robinson added six points, six rebounds, and two blocks, contributing to the Knicks' overall success in Game 5.
The 90s Knicks | That Was The News Then: Episode 22
Knicks mania has taken over New York City, as the Knicks make a run to the NBA Finals. Fans can feel the energy in the air, giving them similar vibes from the Knicks magical runs from the 90s. On this episode, we take a look back at how the news covered the Knicks playoff pushes in 1994 and 1999, and how the city rallied behind the orange and blue.
What's next:
The Knicks are staying alive in this series, trailing the Pacers 3-2.
Game 6 will be held Saturday at 8:10 p.m. ET in Indiana.