Knicks beat Pacers to keep NBA Finals hopes alive

The New York Knicks’ hopes of making it to the NBA Finals were kept alive by Jalen Brunson’s 32-point victory over the Indiana Pacers.

The Knicks’ 111-94 victory at home reduced their best-of-seven series deficit to 3-2, but Indiana is still one win away from winning the Eastern Conference title.

The third-seeded Knicks led throughout as Karl-Anthony Towns battled a knee injury to record 24 points and 13 rebounds.

According to Towns, “I looked at the game and it was “game five, do or die.” That was essentially what I needed to see.

Towns continued, “We have no room for error.” Every game is “do or die,” and our backs are against the wall. Our season will be over if we don’t bring that enthusiasm or execution.

New York led 56-45 at half-time with 17 points and 10 rebounds before increasing their lead to 90-73 heading into the final quarter.

With just over eight minutes left, Indiana drew within 12 points, but Josh Hart answered with a pair of consecutive baskets and Mikal Bridges’ jumper, giving them an 18-point lead.

In game four, Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton recorded 30 points and 15 assists, but he was only allowed to add six assists on Thursday.

The 25-year-old point guard remarked, “Rough night for me.” I need to be more effective at setting the tone and descending. I don’t think I did that well.