The New York Knicks return to the Eastern Conference Finals riding a wave of gritty, battle-tested momentum that has defined their 2025 postseason identity, shaped by the steely leadership of Jalen Brunson, the versatile presence of Karl-Anthony Towns, and the relentless culture instilled by head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks fought through a physical six-game series against the Boston Celtics after eliminating the Miami Heat, demonstrating a signature brand of tough, defensive-minded basketball backed by timely scoring and elite execution in clutch moments. At the center of their run is Brunson, who has transformed into a full-fledged superstar and the emotional engine of the franchise. His poise in crunch time, efficient mid-range scoring, and uncanny ability to get to his spots have made him a nightmare for opposing guards, and his leadership has galvanized a roster that thrives in adversity. Alongside him, Towns has brought needed frontcourt versatility—stretching the floor with his shooting while also punishing mismatches in the post. RJ Barrett and Josh Hart have both stepped up as secondary scoring options, with Hart particularly embodying the Knicks’ rugged defensive identity through hustle plays, rebounding, and perimeter coverage. Defensively, New York has been elite, ranking fifth in playoff defensive efficiency, using aggressive closeouts, physical post defense, and sharp rotations to limit opponents’ clean looks. Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein have formed a formidable rim-protecting tandem, controlling the paint and giving the Knicks a rebounding edge nearly every night.

While the Knicks deploy a tighter rotation than most playoff teams—usually leaning on 7–8 players—Thibodeau’s emphasis on conditioning and accountability ensures his core group is prepared to play heavy minutes at a high level. This structure works especially well at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks are 27-14 this season and feed off one of the NBA’s most passionate crowds. Against the Pacers, New York’s focus will be on controlling tempo, slowing down Indiana’s league-best transition offense, and forcing them into difficult half-court sets. Brunson will likely be defended by Andrew Nembhard, a strong on-ball guard, but the Knicks will run multiple pick-and-roll variations and off-ball sets to get Brunson clean looks and create switches they can exploit. Limiting Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and stopping Indiana’s bench from changing the game’s pace will be priorities on defense. While the Pacers’ depth and speed are dangerous, the Knicks hold the edge in physicality, rebounding, and half-court execution—areas that tend to define playoff series as they progress. New York also benefits from the experience of last year’s seven-game battle with Indiana, a series they lost but learned from, and the core group returns this time smarter, stronger, and with a deeper hunger to break through. If Brunson continues his All-NBA form and Towns remains aggressive on both ends, the Knicks are positioned not only to protect home court but to seize control of this series from the outset, inching one step closer to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.