Pacers vs Knicks Match Player Stats: 2025 Playoffs Complete Breakdown

Introduction

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats from the thrilling 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 tell an incredible story of resilience, determination, and playoff intensity. On May 21, 2025, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime at Madison Square Garden in what would become one of the most memorable playoff games of the season. This comprehensive analysis dives deep into the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats, examining individual performances, team dynamics, and the key moments that defined this extraordinary contest.

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Match Overview and Context

Game Details

• Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
• Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
• Series: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 1
• Attendance: 19,812 fans
• Final Score: Indiana Pacers 138, New York Knicks 135 (OT)
• Coverage: TNT/HBO Max
• Referees: Zach Zarba, Brian Forte, Ben Taylor, Mitchell Ervin

Series Context and Significance

This Eastern Conference Finals matchup represented a historic moment for both franchises. The fourth-seeded Pacers were appearing in their second consecutive conference finals, having eliminated the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the previous round. Meanwhile, the Knicks had reached the conference finals for the first time in 25 years, after defeating the defending champion Boston Celtics in a grueling six-game series.

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats from this opening game would set the tone for what promised to be an intense seven-game series, with both teams showcasing championship-caliber basketball and star-level performances.

Quarter-by-Quarter Analysis

First Quarter: Setting the Pace (NYK 36, IND 34)

The game began at a frenetic pace, with both teams trading baskets in an offensive showcase. Jalen Brunson immediately established his rhythm for the Knicks, scoring 9 points on efficient 4-for-8 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each contributed 8 points as New York took an early advantage.

For Indiana, Myles Turner was dominant in the opening frame, converting all 5 of his shot attempts to score 11 points. The Pacers stayed within striking distance despite the hostile Madison Square Garden environment.

Second Quarter: Knicks Build Momentum (NYK 69, IND 62 at halftime)

New York extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 33-28. Brunson continued his stellar performance, reaching 18 first-half points. The Knicks’ balanced attack and strong defensive rebounding helped them establish a 7-point halftime advantage, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Third Quarter: Pacers’ Adjustment (NYK 90, IND 87)

The third quarter saw Indiana make crucial adjustments. The Pacers outscored New York 25-21, cutting the deficit to just 3 points heading into the final period. Tyrese Haliburton began asserting himself as a playmaker, while Aaron Nesmith started heating up from beyond the arc.

Fourth Quarter: Dramatic Finish (Tied 125-125 at regulation)

The fourth quarter provided non-stop drama, with both teams scoring 38 and 35 points respectively. Nesmith exploded for 20 points in this quarter alone, tying an NBA playoff record with 6 three-pointers in a single quarter. His shooting barrage kept the Pacers in contention.

With the score tied and seconds remaining, Haliburton beat the buzzer with a clutch shot to send the game to overtime, electrifying Pacers fans and silencing the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Overtime: Pacers Prevail (Final: IND 138, NYK 135)

The overtime period was equally intense, with Indiana outscoring New York 13-10. With 26.7 seconds remaining and the Pacers leading 136-135, the Knicks turned the ball over. Obi Toppin sealed the victory with a driving dunk off an inbound pass, giving Indiana a crucial 3-point lead. Brunson and Towns both missed potential game-tying three-pointers in the final seconds, and the Pacers escaped with a dramatic road victory.

Indiana Pacers – Complete Player Statistics

Key Observations – Indiana Pacers Performance

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats reveal several crucial factors in Indiana’s victory:

1. Aaron Nesmith’s Historic Performance

• Career playoff-high 30 points on incredibly efficient shooting
• Tied NBA playoff record with 6 three-pointers in the fourth quarter
• Shot 88.9% from three-point range (8-of-9)
• Perfect from the free-throw line (4-of-4)
• His 20-point fourth quarter kept the Pacers alive

2. Tyrese Haliburton’s Leadership

• Game-high 11 assists orchestrating the offense
• Efficient 31 points on 52.2% shooting
• Hit the game-tying shot to force overtime
• Played 42+ minutes demonstrating his endurance
• +15 plus/minus showing his overall impact

3. Balanced Offensive Attack

• Five players scored in double figures
• Exceptional 51.0% field goal percentage
• Solid 40.5% three-point shooting
• Strong 75.0% free throw shooting

4. Depth and Bench Contributions

• T.J. McConnell provided valuable backup playmaking with 10 points and 4 assists
• Obi Toppin grabbed 10 rebounds and sealed the game with a crucial dunk
• Bench players maintained intensity when starters rested

New York Knicks – Complete Player Statistics

Key Observations – New York Knicks Performance

Despite the loss, the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats highlight several impressive performances:

1. Jalen Brunson’s Heroic Effort

• Spectacular 43 points leading all scorers
• Efficient 60.0% field goal shooting
• Excellent 85.7% free throw shooting (12-of-14)
• 5 assists while running the offense
• Played through foul trouble and delivered clutch moments

2. Karl-Anthony Towns’ Dominance

• Outstanding 35 points and 12 rebounds double-double
• Highly efficient 64.7% shooting from the field
• Impressive 50.0% from three-point range (4-of-8)
• Posted a +9 plus/minus in a losing effort
• Showed versatility with inside-outside game

3. Josh Hart’s All-Around Game

• Near triple-double: 8 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists
• Incredible 44 minutes of hustle and energy
• Led team in assists and rebounds
• Defensive intensity throughout

4. Areas of Concern

• 25 team fouls led to many Pacers free throws
• Struggled from three-point range at 32.4%
• Couldn’t get crucial defensive stops in overtime
• Late-game turnovers proved costly

Statistical Comparison and Analysis

Shooting Efficiency Breakdown

When examining the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats in detail:

Field Goal Shooting:

• Knicks: 51.1% (48/94) – Slightly better
• Pacers: 51.0% (51/100) – Nearly identical

Three-Point Shooting (KEY DIFFERENCE):

• Pacers: 40.5% (15/37) – Superior outside shooting
• Knicks: 32.4% (11/34) – Below-average performance

Free Throw Shooting (CRITICAL FACTOR):

• Pacers: 75.0% (21/28) – Solid conversion
• Knicks: 70.0% (32/46) – More attempts but lower percentage

The Pacers’ superior three-point shooting and fewer trips to the free-throw line (while maintaining better percentage) proved decisive in this tight contest.

Rebounding Battle

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats show New York dominated the glass:

• Knicks: 40 total rebounds (7 offensive, 33 defensive)
• Pacers: 28 total rebounds (4 offensive, 24 defensive)

Despite being out-rebounded by 12, Indiana’s efficient offense and timely shooting negated this disadvantage.

Ball Movement and Playmaking

Assists:

• Knicks: 32 assists on 48 field goals (66.7% assisted rate)
• Pacers: 29 assists on 51 field goals (56.9% assisted rate)

Both teams showed excellent ball movement, with the Knicks slightly more reliant on creating for teammates.

Turnovers:

• Pacers: 2 turnovers (exceptional ball security)
• Knicks: 7 turnovers (gave away extra possessions)

Indiana’s remarkable ball security was a crucial factor, committing only 2 turnovers in an overtime playoff game – an extraordinary achievement reflected in the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats.

Defensive Impact Statistics

Steals:

• Knicks: 19 steals (aggressive perimeter defense)
• Pacers: 16 steals

Blocks:

• Knicks: 7 blocks
• Pacers: 5 blocks

New York’s defense forced more turnovers and disruptions, but couldn’t convert these into enough offense to secure victory.

Plus/Minus Leaders

Top Performers:

• Tyrese Haliburton (IND): +15
• Miles McBride (NYK): +12
• Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): +9
• Aaron Nesmith (IND): +10

Struggled:

• Mikal Bridges (NYK): -15
• T.J. McConnell (IND): -14
• Bennedict Mathurin (IND): -14

Game-Changing Moments and Plays

Aaron Nesmith’s Fourth Quarter Explosion

The most significant narrative in the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats was Nesmith’s historic fourth quarter. His 6 three-pointers in one quarter tied an NBA playoff record and single-handedly kept Indiana in the game when they trailed by double digits.

His shooting splits for the fourth quarter alone were remarkable:

• 6-of-7 from three-point range
• 7-of-8 from the field overall
• 20 points in just 12 minutes

Tyrese Haliburton’s Buzzer-Beater

With seconds remaining in regulation and the game tied, Haliburton showed his clutch gene by hitting a difficult shot to force overtime. This moment energized the Pacers and demonstrated why he’s considered one of the league’s premier young stars.

Obi Toppin’s Dagger Dunk

Facing his former team, Toppin delivered the dagger with 26.7 seconds left in overtime. His athletic finish off the inbound pass gave the Pacers a crucial 3-point cushion and essentially sealed the victory.

Brunson and Towns’ Missed Opportunities

In the final seconds, both Brunson and Towns had looks at game-tying three-pointers. The fact that both shots missed marked the difference between a Knicks comeback and a Pacers victory in Game 1.

Coaching Strategies and Adjustments

Rick Carlisle’s Pacers Approach

Indiana’s coach Rick Carlisle made several key adjustments:

• Emphasized pace and ball movement
• Trusted Nesmith when he got hot in the fourth quarter
• Deployed effective pick-and-roll actions with Haliburton
• Managed rotations to keep fresh legs for overtime

Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks Game Plan

New York’s coach Tom Thibodeau implemented:

• Heavy minutes for star players (Brunson 37:33, Bridges 46:16)
• Aggressive defensive schemes creating turnovers
• Inside-out offense leveraging Towns’ versatility
• Attempt to control tempo and rebounding

Historical Context and Series Implications

Playoff History Between Teams

The Pacers and Knicks have a storied playoff rivalry dating back decades, with memorable series in the 1990s featuring Reggie Miller and Spike Lee confrontations. This 2025 Eastern Conference Finals represented the latest chapter in their historic battles.

Significance of Game 1 Road Victory

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats from this Game 1 victory proved crucial for Indiana’s championship aspirations. Stealing a road game at Madison Square Garden gave the Pacers home-court advantage and psychological momentum heading into Game 2.

Historically, teams winning Game 1 of a best-of-seven series win the series approximately 70% of the time, making this victory even more significant.

Individual Milestones and Records

Several notable achievements from the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats:

• Aaron Nesmith tied NBA playoff record for three-pointers in a quarter (6)
• Jalen Brunson set his playoff career-high with 43 points
• Tyrese Haliburton became second-youngest player with 30+ points and 10+ assists in a conference finals game
• Pacers’ 2 turnovers tied franchise playoff record for fewest in a game

Impact Players and Key Matchups

Point Guard Duel: Haliburton vs. Brunson

The matchup between Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson lived up to expectations, with both players delivering exceptional performances. While Brunson scored more points (43 vs. 31), Haliburton’s superior playmaking (11 assists vs. 5) and efficiency gave Indiana an edge.

Big Man Battle: Turner vs. Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns clearly won the individual matchup against Myles Turner, posting 35 points and 12 rebounds compared to Turner’s 14 and 2. However, Turner’s defensive presence and Turner’s teammates’ performances offset this advantage.

X-Factor: Aaron Nesmith

Nesmith proved to be the ultimate X-factor whose performance couldn’t have been predicted. His 30 points on 9-of-13 shooting made him the second-leading scorer for Indiana and provided the firepower needed when Brunson and Towns were dominating for New York.

Advanced Metrics and Analytics

Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)

eFG% adjusts for the added value of three-point shots:

• Pacers: 58.5% (exceptional efficiency)
• Knicks: 56.9% (also strong)

Indiana’s superior three-point shooting elevated their effective field goal percentage despite similar overall shooting numbers.

True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

TS% accounts for free throws as well:

• Pacers: 62.1% (excellent efficiency)
• Knicks: 59.8% (solid but slightly lower)

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats show Indiana’s balanced scoring from all three levels contributed to their efficiency advantage.

Pace and Possessions

This game featured an extremely fast pace:

• Estimated 108 possessions per team
• Breakneck speed contributed to high scoring
• Both teams comfortable in uptempo environment

Four Factors Analysis

The four factors that determine basketball success:

1. Shooting: Pacers advantage (better eFG%) 2. Turnovers: Pacers major advantage (2 vs. 7) 3. Rebounding: Knicks significant advantage (40 vs. 28) 4. Free Throws: Roughly even (both teams got to the line)

Indiana’s dominance in turnover margin offset New York’s rebounding advantage.

Fan Reactions and Atmosphere

Madison Square Garden Environment

The 19,812 fans at Madison Square Garden created an electric atmosphere, with the legendary arena living up to its reputation as one of basketball’s most intimidating venues. Despite the hostile crowd, the Pacers maintained composure throughout.

Social Media Reaction

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats generated significant social media buzz:

• Aaron Nesmith trending nationally for his fourth-quarter explosion
• Jalen Brunson praised for his valiant 43-point effort
• Tyrese Haliburton highlighted for clutch play and leadership
• Debates about whether Knicks can bounce back from this crushing loss

Looking Ahead: Series Implications

Game 2 Expectations

With Indiana holding a 1-0 series lead, Game 2 at Madison Square Garden became must-win for New York. The Knicks needed to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole before the series shifted to Indianapolis.

Adjustments Needed

For the Knicks:

• Improve three-point shooting percentage
• Better ball security (reduce turnovers)
• Find ways to contain Nesmith and Haliburton
• Maintain rebounding advantage

For the Pacers:

• Continue efficient shooting
• Improve rebounding effort
• Manage foul trouble better
• Build on defensive success

Health and Availability

Both teams appeared healthy coming out of Game 1, which was crucial for a long series. The physical nature of playoff basketball meant conditioning and injury management would be key factors moving forward.

Expert Analysis and Commentary

Basketball Analysts’ Takes

Prominent NBA analysts weighed in on the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats:

• Many praised Indiana’s poise on the road
• Nesmith’s performance labeled as “career-defining”
• Questions raised about Knicks’ late-game execution
• Haliburton’s emergence as superstar validated

Statistical Anomalies

Several unusual aspects of the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats:

• Only 2 turnovers by Indiana (extraordinarily rare)
• 88.9% three-point shooting by Nesmith (unsustainable but remarkable)
• 9 combined points from Toppin against his former team (poetic justice)
• First overtime game of 2025 playoffs

Conclusion: Dissecting the Pacers vs Knicks Match Player Stats

The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats from this May 21, 2025 Eastern Conference Finals opener reveal a classic playoff battle where Indiana’s efficiency and composure narrowly defeated New York’s talent and home-court advantage. The 138-135 overtime victory showcased:

Key Takeaways:

1. Aaron Nesmith’s historic 30-point performance with 6 fourth-quarter threes changed the game’s trajectory
2. Tyrese Haliburton demonstrated superstar potential with 31 points and 11 assists
3. Jalen Brunson’s 43-point effort wasn’t enough despite heroic play
4. Karl-Anthony Towns posted dominant numbers (35 points, 12 rebounds) in a losing effort
5. Ball security proved decisive, with Indiana’s 2 turnovers vastly superior to New York’s 7
6. Three-point shooting (40.5% vs. 32.4%) provided Indiana’s winning margin
7. Clutch execution in overtime separated the two evenly-matched teams

The comprehensive Pacers vs Knicks match player stats tell the story of a game where multiple players delivered performances worthy of victory, but ultimately Indiana’s balanced attack, superior ball security, and timely shooting proved decisive. This Game 1 thriller set the stage for what would become one of the most compelling series in 2025 playoff history.

Final Score: Indiana Pacers 138, New York Knicks 135 (OT)

As the series progressed, these opening-game performances established the template for competitive basketball at its highest level, with the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats serving as a testament to the extraordinary talent and determination displayed by both franchises in their quest for an NBA championship.

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