The Athletic NBA Daily: Haliburton’s Triple-Double Lifts Pacers to 3-1 Lead on Knicks

Release Date: May 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DeFour, Zena Keita, and Fred Katz provide an in-depth analysis of the Indiana Pacers' impressive 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks. The discussion centers around Tyrese Haliburton's extraordinary triple-double performance, strategic team dynamics, defensive adjustments, and the potential outcomes as the series progresses.

Key Game Highlights

Pacers Secure 3-1 Series Lead

The Indiana Pacers dominated Game 4 against the New York Knicks, securing a 3-1 series lead. This victory not only showcases the Pacers' depth and strategic prowess but also underscores the Knicks' challenges in containing Indiana's fast-paced and aggressive gameplay.

Haliburton’s Historic Triple-Double

Tyrese Haliburton delivered a stellar performance, achieving a triple-double with 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals, all while maintaining zero turnovers. This rare accomplishment has positioned Haliburton as the pivotal player in this series.

Player Performances

Tyrese Haliburton: The Game Changer

Fred Katz Highlights Haliburton’s Impact

“The guy is unbelievable to be able to turn 15 assists, no turnover games into your brand. I mean even Nikola Jokić doesn't do that.”
[14:35] – Fred Katz

Fred Katz emphasizes Haliburton's unique ability to maintain high assist numbers without committing turnovers, comparing his efficiency favorably even against legendary players like Nikola Jokić. Haliburton's performance is not just statistically impressive but also strategically vital, allowing the Pacers to execute a fluid and effective offense.

Strategic Ball Movement

Zena Keita notes the Pacers' egalitarian offense, where Haliburton's ability to push the ball quickly after missed shots keeps the defense on their toes and facilitates seamless team play.

“When you have a guy who's that good and that willing to share the ball with everybody, I just think it's very easy to put together a good offense.”
[07:06] – Zena Keita

Jalen Brunson: Knicks’ Struggle

Challenges Faced by Brunson

Dave DeFour discusses Jalen Brunson's difficulties in maintaining control against Haliburton, especially under double-team pressure. Brunson's shooting efficiency dipped in the fourth quarter, impacting the Knicks' ability to keep pace with the Pacers.

“Jalen Brunson was going bar for bar with Tyrese Halliburton. And yet it came out that he didn't have as much control.”
[16:05] – Dave DeFour

Defensive Matchups

Aaron Neismith’s Defensive Prowess

Fred Katz praises Aaron Neismith's defensive efforts against Brunson, highlighting his ability to use his physicality effectively.

“Neismith is just so good at defending with his chest. That guy is an unbelievable, like, torso competitor.”
[21:48] – Fred Katz

Andrew Nemhard’s Defense

While Nemhard is recognized as a strong defender, Katz points out that his defensive style is less effective against Brunson compared to Neismith’s robust chest defense.

“Andrew Nemhard is an awesome defender... he beats guys to spots. He’s a wonderful defensive player.”
[20:30] – Fred Katz

Team Strategies and Dynamics

Indiana Pacers’ Offensive Efficiency

The Pacers’ approach emphasizes rapid ball movement and minimal turnovers, allowing them to capitalize on offensive opportunities swiftly. Their strategy involves pushing the pace and maintaining high energy levels throughout the game.

“The Pacers are up three games to one. We got the Thunder up three games one. It’s looking like we’re going to get a Pacers-Thunder finals... It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
[03:35] – Zena Keita

New York Knicks’ Defensive Struggles

The Knicks have struggled to contain the Pacers’ fast breaks and efficient scoring. Their defensive lapses, particularly in stopping Haliburton and limiting easy points, have been a critical factor in their current series deficit.

“The Knicks defense tonight... part of the reason why was because Indiana just got out in the run and even when they're not scoring on the break, they're just going to score on the secondary break.”
[24:18] – Fred Katz

Energy and Momentum

Zena Keita highlights the Pacers' superior energy, especially in the latter stages of the game, which has been a consistent advantage throughout the playoffs.

“The energy difference down the stretch for the Pacers all year has been a thing and especially in the playoffs... they have more energy than everyone.”
[19:21] – Zena Keita

Injuries and Future Outlook

Carl Anthony Towns’ Condition

Carl Anthony Towns appeared to be injured at the end of Game 4, limping as he left the court. Fred Katz provides insights into his condition, suggesting that while Towns was visibly distressed, his participation in Game 5 is likely, contingent on his recovery overnight.

“He was hobbled when he walked out of the arena... I would be surprised if he did not play in the next game just based on the conversations I had tonight.”
[26:06] – Fred Katz

Impact on the Series

Towns’ health is pivotal for the Pacers. His absence could alter the dynamics of the upcoming games, but the team’s depth and Haliburton’s leadership provide optimism for maintaining their series lead.

Looking Ahead: Game 5 Predictions

With the Pacers leading 3-1, the hosts speculate on the possibility of the Pacers advancing to the finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The strategic matchups and player performances will be crucial in determining the series' outcome.

“If that winds up being the Finals both again, both series three-one, if that...”
[10:22] – Zena Keita

Conclusion

The Athletic NBA Daily provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Pacers' dominant performance against the Knicks, highlighting Tyrese Haliburton's exceptional triple-double and the strategic elements that have led Indiana to a 3-1 series lead. With insightful analysis from hosts Dave DeFour, Zena Keita, and Fred Katz, listeners gain a thorough understanding of the game's pivotal moments, player performances, and the potential trajectory of the series. As the Pacers look to close out the series, the anticipation builds for Game 5 and the possible finals matchup against the Thunder.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Fred Katz on Haliburton’s Efficiency:
  “The guy is unbelievable to be able to turn 15 assists, no turnover games into your brand.”
  [14:35]

• Zena Keita on Team Offense:
  “When you have a guy who's that good and that willing to share the ball with everybody, I just think it's very easy to put together a good offense.”
  [07:06]

• Dave DeFour on Brunson vs. Halliburton:
  “Jalen Brunson was going bar for bar with Tyrese Halliburton. And yet it came out that he didn't have as much control.”
  [16:05]

• Fred Katz on Defensive Strength:
  “Neismith is just so good at defending with his chest. That guy is an unbelievable, like, torso competitor.”
  [21:48]

• Zena Keita on Pacers’ Energy:
  “The energy difference down the stretch for the Pacers all year has been a thing and especially in the playoffs... they have more energy than everyone.”
  [19:21]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared during the episode, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the Pacers' journey to gaining a 3-1 series lead over the Knicks.