In one of the most exhilarating playoff runs in NBA history, the New York Knicks have completed a remarkable comeback in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Trailing 3-1 in their best-of-seven series against the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks have now forced a decisive Game 7, after a commanding 111-94 victory in Game 5 on May 29. The win has reignited hope for a championship run and turned what was once perceived as a likely exit into a thrilling race for a spot in the NBA Finals.
This historic comeback, which has energized both players and fans, is reminiscent of only 14 previous instances in NBA history where a team has managed to overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs. As the Knicks gear up for the series decider on June 1, all eyes will be on this high-stakes showdown, where both teams will be fighting for a chance at basketball immortality.
Game 5 Recap: A Dominant Victory Fueled by Key Performances
The Knicks’ win in Game 5 was nothing short of spectacular. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter alone to help secure the victory. Towns’ dominant presence in the paint, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, made him an unstoppable force in the latter stages of the game. His scoring outburst was not just a personal achievement but a crucial turning point for the Knicks, who had been trailing by 10 points at the start of the fourth.
But it wasn’t just Towns who shined on the night. Julius Randle, the Knicks’ star forward, continued his consistent play throughout the series, posting another double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Randle’s steady leadership and physicality on both ends of the court were key in neutralizing the Pacers’ defense. His ability to hit crucial shots and provide a presence in the paint helped set the tone for the Knicks, especially as they fought back from a double-digit deficit to seize control of the game.
The Knicks’ bench also played a pivotal role in the win. Players like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes provided critical minutes, offering fresh energy when the team needed it most. Quickley’s speed and ability to knock down perimeter shots gave the Knicks much-needed spacing, while Grimes’ defensive tenacity helped shut down Indiana’s perimeter shooting in the second half.
Defensively, the Knicks were relentless, limiting the Pacers’ shooting and forcing turnovers. The Knicks’ defense had been a point of criticism throughout the series, but in Game 5, it proved to be the key to victory. The Pacers, who had been firing on all cylinders earlier in the series, struggled to find rhythm against the Knicks’ physicality and intensity.
Historical Context: A Historic Comeback in the Making
The Knicks’ comeback from a 3-1 series deficit is a rare feat in NBA history. In the league’s 75 years of existence, only 14 teams have ever managed to come back and win a series after being down 3-1. The most famous of these comebacks occurred in the 2016 NBA Finals when the Cleveland Cavaliers overturned a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors, a series that ended with LeBron James delivering a Game 7 performance for the ages.
In the case of the Knicks, this 3-1 comeback not only reflects a monumental shift in momentum but also highlights the team’s resilience and growth over the course of the season. The Knicks have been under intense scrutiny in recent years, with many wondering if their roster—led by Towns, Randle, and star point guard Jalen Brunson—was truly capable of competing at the highest level. Critics were especially concerned with the team’s ability to close out games and manage adversity in the playoffs.
However, this series has demonstrated the Knicks’ ability to fight through tough circumstances. Despite being down 3-1, the team’s collective grit and determination have propelled them to the brink of the NBA Finals. The win in Game 5 was a testament to the team’s mental toughness, which had been questioned during the regular season but has now been firmly established in the playoffs.
Analyst and Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions on Championship Prospects
Despite the Knicks’ dramatic comeback, not everyone is convinced they can go all the way. ESPN commentator and former player Stephen A. Smith, a well-known Knicks supporter, has voiced his skepticism about the team’s ability to win the championship. In a recent broadcast, Smith pointed out the Knicks’ inconsistencies during the regular season and questioned whether they had the depth to win it all. He highlighted the team’s reliance on their stars, such as Towns and Randle, and suggested that their bench may not be deep enough to sustain a championship run.
Smith’s concerns are not unfounded. While the Knicks have been impressive in their ability to overcome a 3-1 deficit, they still face a formidable Pacers team led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been stellar throughout the series. Haliburton’s playmaking and shooting have made him one of the top players in the league, and his presence on the court remains a major factor in the Pacers’ success.
The Knicks will also need to address some of their weaknesses in Game 7. While their defense has improved in the latter games of the series, they still face challenges in slowing down Indiana’s offense. Additionally, the team’s inconsistent shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, could be a potential liability in a do-or-die Game 7.
Meanwhile, Knicks fans are overwhelmingly optimistic, rallying behind their team in support. The fanbase has been electrified by the team’s improbable comeback, and social media platforms have been flooded with messages of encouragement. Fans have packed Madison Square Garden for each home game, creating an electric atmosphere that has provided the team with a clear home-court advantage.
For many, this series has become more than just a playoff run—it’s a defining moment for the franchise. The Knicks’ ability to battle back from the brink of elimination has reignited a sense of pride and belief in the team’s potential. Whether or not they win the championship this year, the team’s resilience in the face of adversity has restored confidence in their long-term future.
Next Steps: Game 7 Looms Large
Game 7, set for June 1, will be a high-stakes showdown that will determine who advances to the NBA Finals. The Pacers, who have been a dominant force throughout the regular season and the first few games of the series, will need to regroup after their Game 5 loss. While they still hold the advantage in the series, the Pacers will have to overcome the pressure of a potential historic collapse.
The Knicks, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum after their stunning victory. The team will rely heavily on their star players—Towns, Randle, and Brunson—to continue their strong performances and carry the team across the finish line. Game 7 will test the Knicks’ ability to close out a series, a skill that has often eluded them in recent years.
Key matchups will include how the Knicks defend against Tyrese Haliburton, whose shooting and playmaking will be crucial for the Pacers’ success. Additionally, the battle in the paint between Towns and Pacers’ center Myles Turner could play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome. Turner’s shot-blocking ability has been a thorn in the Knicks’ side, and Towns will need to continue his dominant play inside to create opportunities for his teammates.
Conclusion: The Road to Glory or Collapse
The New York Knicks have defied expectations in 2025, delivering one of the most thrilling comebacks in NBA playoff history. With Game 7 on the horizon, the team faces a final hurdle that will either propel them to their first NBA Finals appearance in decades or mark another near-miss in the franchise’s storied history.
For the Knicks, this series has already become a defining moment, a testament to their grit, resilience, and ability to rise under pressure. Whether or not they make it to the NBA Finals, the team’s performance has reinvigorated both their fanbase and their place in the NBA conversation.
As the final game of the series approaches, the basketball world will be watching to see if the Knicks can complete the comeback of a lifetime and secure their place in the 2025 NBA Finals.
