Towns credits aggression and bench impact in Game 5 win vs. Pacers

Karl-Anthony Towns emphasized urgency and execution following the New York Knicks’ 111-94 Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

“I just came into the game just thinking about being ultra-aggressive,” Towns said postgame, referencing the Knicks’ 26-point advantage in the paint. “If I get a chance to go downhill or impact the game, I wanted to do that.”

Towns, who returned from a bruised knee, added 24 points and 13 rebounds, helping New York avoid elimination and force Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Knicks held the Pacers to 23 first-quarter points after surrendering 43 in the same period in Game 4, a turnaround Towns credited to improved effort and discipline.

“We did a great job tonight of upping the pressure,” he said. “Making it more difficult for them to get those open looks.”

Towns also praised the contributions of Delon Wright and Landry Shamet, who entered the rotation in recent games and posted positive net ratings.

“It just talks to the professionalism that they have, to be ready for their moment,” Towns said. “This series has shown their professionalism. It shows their character.”

He cited a do-or-die mindset before tip-off as his motivation to suit up.

“I looked at the game, and it said Game 5, do or die,” Towns said. “That was pretty much all I needed to see.”

The Pacers’ offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton, struggled throughout. Haliburton was held to eight points on 2-for-7 shooting after posting a triple-double in Game 4.

Towns praised teammate Jalen Brunson, who sparked the Knicks early with 14 first-quarter points and finished with a game-high 32.

“He was cooking,” Towns said. “When he’s playing like that and he’s hitting shots, obviously it energizes everyone.”

Asked about Brunson’s defensive effort after being targeted in previous games, Towns responded with support.

“He always answers the call,” he said. “We win as a team, we lose as a team.”

New York built a 20-point lead midway through the third and never allowed Indiana to mount a serious comeback, a contrast to their Game 1 collapse.

“We didn’t want to give them life,” Towns said. “We did a great job of just understanding the situation.”

The Knicks also outscored Indiana in the paint (42-34), outrebounded them (45-40), and committed only 13 turnovers compared to the Pacers’ 20.

Towns credited every player on the roster for staying ready and bringing life to the bench.

“Even the guys who don’t play… what they bring to our bench and the life they bring to our team, it can’t be understated,” he said. “This team is special.”

Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday in Indianapolis.

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