New York – In Game 2 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers continued their impressive postseason run with a 114–109 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, seizing a 2–0 series lead and flipping the pressure squarely onto the Knicks. Indiana was propelled by a dominant performance from Pascal Siakam, who delivered a playoff career-high 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting. Siakam was nearly unstoppable, attacking the paint, hitting midrange jumpers, and converting in transition with relentless efficiency. His performance gave Indiana a clear offensive anchor and set the tone early in a game that remained tight through three quarters.
Siakam’s standout effort was supported by the continued maturity and poise of Tyrese Haliburton. The All-Star guard orchestrated Indiana’s offense with precision, tallying 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. His court vision allowed the Pacers to exploit defensive gaps and maintain their composure in critical stretches, particularly at the start of the fourth quarter when they went on a 13–4 run. This surge coincided with a brief absence from Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who left the game momentarily with a lower-body concern. Though Brunson would return and continue to lead New York’s offense, the Pacers had seized momentum and never relinquished it entirely.
Brunson once again served as the Knicks’ primary scoring option, finishing with 36 points and 11 assists. He was aggressive from the outset and kept New York within striking distance, even as Indiana’s bench outperformed the Knicks’ second unit. In the game’s final minute, Brunson had a chance to tie the score but missed a contested step-back three-pointer, effectively ending the Knicks’ comeback hopes. While Brunson’s performance was admirable, the supporting cast around him failed to offer enough firepower or defensive resistance.
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points but struggled defensively, recording a -19 plus-minus rating that highlighted his difficulties against Indiana’s frontcourt. Mikal Bridges contributed 20 points, and OG Anunoby added 16, yet the Knicks’ offense lacked the balance and rhythm necessary to keep pace with Indiana down the stretch. New York’s bench was largely ineffective, managing just 11 points compared to 21 from the Pacers’ reserves, including key minutes from T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin, who brought energy and timely execution on both ends of the court.
Defensively, the Knicks had few answers for Indiana’s ball movement and pace. The Pacers continually pushed the tempo, punishing New York in transition and executing efficiently in half-court sets. While the Knicks managed to stay close through three quarters—the score was tied at 81 entering the fourth—Indiana’s control of the tempo and clutch shot-making proved decisive.
Historically, teams that fall behind 0–2 in a conference finals series after losing the first two games at home face long odds. No team in NBA history has overcome that deficit to reach the Finals, a daunting trend that now looms over the Knicks. With Game 3 set to be played in Indiana on Sunday, May 25, the urgency for New York could not be higher. A loss would push them to the brink of elimination, while a win could shift the momentum and reinvigorate their title hopes.
Off the court, the mood among Knicks fans was one of growing frustration. At a public viewing event in Central Park’s SummerStage, over a thousand fans braved stormy weather only to watch their team falter late. Technical issues during the event further compounded the disappointment, mirroring the Knicks’ inability to deliver a complete performance.
For Indiana, the win represents a significant step forward in their playoff journey. With contributions across the roster, disciplined execution, and their stars rising to the occasion, the Pacers now have full control of the series. For the Knicks, the task is clear but daunting: win in Indiana or risk a premature end to what had once been a promising playoff campaign.
