Knicks Face Elimination With Towns Questionable For Game 5 vs Pacers

The New York Knicks face a critical Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, trailing 1-3 in the series and dealing with a significant injury to star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who sustained a left knee contusion and is questionable to play. Towns, who has been pivotal throughout the season and playoffs, showed resilience by playing through the injury in Game 4 but was visibly limping afterward, raising concerns about his availability and the Knicks' chances. The Pacers, led by an outstanding performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who posted a historic 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound game without turnovers, have dominated recently and are aiming to close out the series. New York's defensive struggles are highlighted by the difficulty in containing Haliburton and the impact of Jalen Brunson's defensive liabilities, which the Pacers have exploited to maintain their advantage. Despite the Knicks' demonstrated ability to rally from large deficits, the combination of Towns' injury and the Pacers' momentum places New York in a precarious position. Coach Rick Carlisle and Pacers players emphasize the need to stay focused and respond to the Knicks' desperation in the upcoming do-or-die game at Madison Square Garden.