Knicks' Defense Limits Haliburton, Cuts Eastern Finals Deficit

In Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks executed a stifling defensive strategy that effectively neutralized Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, holding him to just eight points on 2-for-7 shooting and disrupting his rhythm throughout the game. Mikal Bridges aggressively guarded Haliburton full court, preventing him from establishing the offensive flow that led to his triple-double performance in Game 4. Despite the Pacers taking a 3-1 series lead, the Knicks' defensive adjustments forced a crucial Game 6 back in Indiana, with Haliburton acknowledging his struggles and committing to studying film to improve. The Knicks' relentless energy and defensive pressure extended beyond Haliburton, also limiting contributions from other Pacers players like Aaron Nesmith. Haliburton admitted post-game that the team lost focus and the margin battle, emphasizing the need for better execution in the next matchup. The series remains intense, with the Pacers favored to close out but facing a reinvigorated Knicks squad determined to force a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.