NBA Eastern Conference Finals 2025, Game 4: Indiana Pacers 130, New York Knicks 121 – Final
The Indiana Pacers moved one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years with a thrilling 130–121 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Led by a brilliant, historic performance from All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana now holds a commanding 3–1 series lead and will have a chance to close things out in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.
This game had it all: superstar performances, high-octane offense, and moments of grit that defined a pivotal contest in this increasingly intense series. But at the heart of it all was Haliburton—poised, efficient, and relentless.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Perfect Game
In what will surely be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in Pacers playoff history, Tyrese Haliburton posted a triple-double without committing a single turnover. He finished the night with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds while shooting 11-of-19 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range.
Even more impressive than the raw numbers was Haliburton’s control of the game’s tempo. He sliced through the Knicks’ defense with surgical precision, always finding the open man and pushing the pace in transition. His leadership never wavered, and his decision-making bordered on flawless.
“He’s our engine,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “What he did tonight was special. That’s how you lead a team on the road in the Conference Finals.”
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Haliburton was the star, Indiana’s balanced attack once again proved too much for the Knicks’ defense to handle. Pascal Siakam had his best game of the series, scoring 30 points and adding 9 rebounds. He bullied his way inside, controlled the midrange, and provided key stops in the second half.
Off the bench, second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin exploded for 20 points in just 12 minutes, igniting the second unit and swinging the momentum in Indiana’s favor during a critical stretch in the second quarter.
Myles Turner added 16 points and 8 rebounds while helping to anchor the defense in the paint, and Andrew Nembhard chipped in with timely threes and on-ball defense against Jalen Brunson.
The Pacers capitalized on their depth, speed, and unselfish ball movement. They shot 51.1% from the field, including 13-of-32 from three-point range, and had 30 team assists on 47 made baskets.
Knicks Fight, but Fall Short
The Knicks, backed by a raucous home crowd at Madison Square Garden, came out swinging. Jalen Brunson once again led the way with 31 points and 7 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns, acquired at the trade deadline, played arguably his best game of the postseason, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds. He looked confident on the block and hit two threes to stretch the defense.
Josh Hart, ever the hustler, posted 18 points and 9 rebounds but struggled with turnovers—five in total, four of which came in the first half and led to 8 Indiana points. His mistakes in transition were particularly costly, allowing the Pacers to build separation.
OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo both had solid offensive contributions, but their efforts were not enough to stem the Pacers’ relentless attack.
The Knicks’ main problem was their inability to contain Indiana’s transition offense. The Pacers outscored them 22–9 in fast-break points and scored 25 points off 17 New York turnovers. Every time the Knicks mounted a run, Indiana responded with a run of their own—often keyed by a Haliburton pass or a Mathurin burst.
Momentum Shifts and Key Runs
The turning point came late in the second quarter and into the third when Indiana went on a 13–0 run, turning a 4-point deficit into a 9-point lead. From there, the Pacers never trailed again.
Obi Toppin, the former Knick turned Pacer, added insult to injury with a dagger three in the fourth quarter, celebrating in front of the Knicks’ bench. The shot gave Indiana a 12-point lead with under four minutes to play, effectively sealing the win.
Despite a late push from Brunson and Towns, Indiana’s execution down the stretch was flawless. They hit their free throws, took care of the ball, and milked the clock behind Haliburton’s calm orchestration.
What’s Next: Knicks on the Brink
Game 5 shifts back to New York, where the Knicks face elimination. Down 3–1 in the series, they’ll need a complete performance—and better control of the basketball—if they hope to extend their season.
For Indiana, the job isn’t done. But with the confidence gained from back-to-back wins and Haliburton playing at an MVP level, the Pacers now find themselves in unfamiliar territory: favorites to reach the NBA Finals.
“We’re locked in,” Haliburton said postgame. “We’re not satisfied with three wins. We came into this series expecting to win it. Now it’s time to finish the job.”
Stat Lines of Note:
- Tyrese Haliburton (IND): 32 PTS, 15 AST, 12 REB, 0 TO, 5 3PT
- Pascal Siakam (IND): 30 PTS, 9 REB
- Bennedict Mathurin (IND): 20 PTS (12 MIN)
- Jalen Brunson (NYK): 31 PTS, 7 AST
- Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): 24 PTS, 12 REB
- Josh Hart (NYK): 18 PTS, 9 REB, 5 TO
Game 5 is set for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks will be fighting for survival. The Pacers will be fighting for history.
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