The Athletic NBA Daily: Episode Summary – "Can the Knicks Force Game 7?" Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni dive deep into the intense Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. With the series hanging in the balance, the discussion centers on whether the Knicks can push the series to a decisive Game 7 following their impressive victory in Game 5.

Recap of Game Five

Analyst 2 kicks off the conversation by highlighting the Knicks' dominant performance in Game 5, where they secured a decisive 111-94 win over the Pacers. The Knicks managed to take control "wire to wire," demonstrating resilience and strategic prowess.

Analyst 2 [02:49]: "The Knicks got it done wire to wire. They did not make it hard. We're going back to Indy."

Despite trailing the series 3-2, the Knicks' triumph in Game 5 signaled their ability to compete fiercely, contrasting sharply with the Pacers' performance.

Performance Analysis

The hosts delve into the standout performances and key factors that influenced the game's outcome. Carl Anthony Towns emerges as a pivotal figure, showcasing exceptional skill despite playing on a "bum knee."

Analyst 2 [03:39]: "Playing on a bum knee. And I mean, you would not have noticed it from the way he performed."

Towns was lauded for his electrifying presence and ability to set the game's tone early, a crucial element in high-stakes elimination games.

Analyst 1 emphasizes the Knicks' physicality and defensive strategy, which significantly disrupted the Pacers' rhythm.

Analyst 1 [04:21]: "The Knicks set the tone like they. They played more physical."

The Pacers struggled with energy and execution, particularly in shooting and playmaking, leading to their inability to maintain momentum.

Analyst 2 [04:51]: "Tyrese Halberton did not show up 2 for 7 from the field. ... It wasn't a great shooting night for them."

Player Highlights

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart received special mention for their impactful performances. Brunson's impressive 32 points, including a 15-point third quarter, demonstrated his offensive prowess, albeit with limited minutes.

Analyst 1 [08:28]: "Jalen Brunson only played 33 minutes. He ended up with 32 points, by the way, incredible third quarter from Brunson."

Josh Hart redeemed himself in Game 5, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and defensive efforts.

Analyst 1 [08:28]: "This was Josh Hart's best game of the series, undoubtedly."

On the Pacers' side, Tyrese Halliburton's struggles and the team's high turnover count (19) were significant factors in their defeat.

Analyst 1 [19:57]: "Miles Turner had four turnovers, Siakam had three. ..."

Team Strategies and Adjustments

The discussion highlights the Knicks' effective defensive adjustments, particularly their early pressure on Halliburton and containment of Pascal Siakam. This strategy stifled the Pacers' offensive flow and forced turnovers.

Analyst 2 [18:34]: "The Knicks defense, they changed a lot. ... they continuously punched at the Pacers when they were trying to get into things."

Conversely, the Pacers' lack of aggression and inability to adapt their lineup contributed to their downfall in Game 5. The Knicks' deeper rotation allowed their stars to rest, maintaining high energy levels throughout the game.

Analyst 1 [09:57]: "They looked incredibly fresh. ... going deeper into your rotation."

Shakia Taylor’s Insight on Pacers’ Performance

Shakia Taylor provides an in-depth analysis of the Pacers' underwhelming performance in Game 5. She criticizes the team's lack of aggression and failure to set the game's tone, attributing their struggles to both physical limitations and ineffective strategies.

Shakia Taylor [17:11]: "They came out completely flat. I mean, there was like no aggression, there was no force, there was nothing."

Taylor underscores the importance of defensive discipline and cohesion, noting that even with strategic lineups, the Pacers couldn't overcome the Knicks' dominant play.

Shakia Taylor [19:16]: "I credit the Knicks. Like, the Knicks played incredibly well tonight."

Can the Knicks Force Game 7?

As the series nears its climax, the hosts ponder the possibility of a Game 7. While many, including the hosts and Shakia Taylor, anticipate the Pacers closing out the series in Game 6, there’s an underlying respect for the Knicks' tenacity and the emerging rivalry between key players like Halliburton and Brunson.

Analyst 1 [23:51]: "It would be a shame if it didn't go seven. ... it's a rivalry brewing between these two teams."

Shakia Taylor highlights the electric atmosphere and the mutual respect between players, suggesting that if the series extends to Game 7, it will be a memorable showdown.

Shakia Taylor [24:32]: "It's been so much fun. ... this series is definitely going to be one that we're talking about next year."

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The episode wraps up with a consensus that while the Pacers are favored to win Game 6 and potentially the series, the Knicks have demonstrated the capability to extend the battle to a final, decisive Game 7. The discussion leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment, emphasizing the high stakes and intense competition that define this Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

Analyst 2 [25:54]: "Something about this Knicks team where they just don't make anything easy and I just feel like it's gonna go seven."

Hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for future episodes, particularly the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam with Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears, which will further dissect the evolving dynamics of the series.

Key Quotes

• Analyst 2 [02:49]: "The Knicks got it done wire to wire. They did not make it hard. We're going back to Indy."
• Analyst 2 [03:39]: "Playing on a bum knee. And I mean, you would not have noticed it from the way he performed."
• Analyst 1 [04:21]: "The Knicks set the tone like they. They played more physical."
• Analyst 1 [08:28]: "Jalen Brunson only played 33 minutes. He ended up with 32 points, by the way, incredible third quarter from Brunson."
• Shakia Taylor [19:16]: "I credit the Knicks. Like, the Knicks played incredibly well tonight."
• Analyst 1 [23:51]: "It would be a shame if it didn't go seven."
• Shakia Taylor [24:32]: "It's been so much fun. ... this series is definitely going to be one that we're talking about next year."
• Analyst 2 [25:54]: "Something about this Knicks team where they just don't make anything easy and I just feel like it's gonna go seven."

Final Thoughts

The Athletic NBA Daily delivers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals series, balancing statistical breakdowns with insightful commentary. By highlighting player performances, team strategies, and the evolving rivalry, the podcast provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the high-stakes battle unfolding in the NBA playoffs. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual follower, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of basketball's most compelling series.