Pacers One Step From the NBA Finals After Game 4 Offensive Showcase
If you thought the Eastern Conference Finals would be a grind, the Indiana Pacers just flipped the script. On their home court packed with roaring fans, Indiana dismantled the New York Knicks 130-121 in Game 4, moving just a single win away from booking a spot in the NBA Finals—a place they haven’t been in nearly a quarter century.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton owned the night. The guy couldn’t miss, couldn’t be stopped, and did just about everything: dropping 32 points, slinging 15 assists, and grabbing 12 rebounds for a monster triple-double. That doesn’t happen by accident. Coach Rick Carlisle didn’t hold back, calling Haliburton’s leadership "elite" in the post-game presser, while teammates were quick to point out his control of the game’s rhythm. "We’ve got one job left," Haliburton said, laser-focused as cameras crowded in.
The Knicks tried to rally behind Jalen Brunson, who poured in 31 points with his usual crafty moves around the basket. But the Pacers just had too many weapons. Between Haliburton’s playmaking and Pascal Siakam lighting up the scoreboard with 30 points of his own, New York’s defense looked a step slow all night. Indiana’s ball movement kept finding open shooters, and their pace left the Knicks gasping, especially as fatigue set in late in the second half.
It’s not just Haliburton and Siakam doing the heavy lifting. Myles Turner added energy under the rim, and the supporting cast nailed big shots every time New York hinted at a comeback. For three straight games now, Indiana has dictated tempo, run their sets clean, and gotten contributions from just about everyone in the rotation.
Can the Knicks Find Answers Before It’s Too Late?
On the flip side, the Knicks’ issues were easy to spot. Stopping Indiana’s offense is no simple task, and foul trouble only made their job tougher. Brunson fought his way to the rim for much of the night, but after pouring so much into the last few games, he seemed to run out of steam down the stretch. New York’s bench, thinned out by injuries and inconsistent shooting, struggled to keep up as Indiana kept piling on points.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau talked about adjustments and mental toughness postgame, but he’s got a mountain to climb. With Indiana up 3-1—winners of three in a row—the Knicks need to win every remaining game to avoid elimination, a feat rarely pulled off in NBA history. The Pacers, meanwhile, only need to keep doing what’s worked: play fast, share the ball, and lean on their stars to bring them home.
- Tyrese Haliburton: 32 pts, 15 ast, 12 reb
- Pascal Siakam: 30 pts
- Jalen Brunson: 31 pts (Knicks)
Next up: Game 5, the biggest test yet. New York will fight to keep their season alive. Indiana? One more win and they’re dancing into the NBA Finals—somewhere fans in the city haven’t seen their team since 2000. The pressure’s on. Can the Knicks rally, or will the Pacers finish the job in style?
Arlen Fitzpatrick
My name is Arlen Fitzpatrick, and I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. I have spent years studying the intricacies of the game, both as a player and a coach. My expertise in sports has allowed me to analyze matches and predict outcomes with great accuracy. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for soccer with others, providing insights and engaging stories about the beautiful game. My ultimate goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans, helping them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the sport.
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