BBNBA: Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks rout Pacers to force Game 6 in Indy

The New York Knicks still have some gas left in the tank.

On Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, the (3) Knicks fought off elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, taking down the (4) Indiana Pacers in Game 5 by a final score of 111-94. New York led wire-to-wire, going in front by as many as 22 points in the second half to bring the series to a 3-2 Indiana advantage. The Knicks are looking to become the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the postseason.

Jalen Brunson’s 32 points fueled New York to the win, but Karl-Anthony Towns once again had another productive outing. The seven-foot, All-NBA big man went for 24 points (his third straight game with exactly 24 points), 13 rebounds, and three assists on 10-20 shooting in 35 minutes. Towns was still tagged with five fouls (an issue he just can’t seem to shake) and turned the ball over four times, but those weren’t nearly as important in Game 5 with a healthy lead. KAT came into this game listed as questionable due to a knee injury, but he managed to tough it out.

New York’s team defense, Towns included, was dialed in from the jump, too. After going for 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds with zero turnovers in the Pacers’ Game 4 win, Tyrese Haliburton was held to just eight points on 2-7 shooting in Game 5. Indiana had won six straight games on the road before Thursday night. The Pacers shot a postseason-low 40.5 percent from the field.

But the funniest moment from this one came after the game, when Towns joined the NBA on TNT crew and was immediately criticized by Charles Barkely and Shaquille O’Neal for his non-stop fouling. Was it a bit of an awkward moment? Sure, but even Towns couldn’t deny what they were saying. Barkley also made sure to point out that Towns has the best-looking feet for a basketball player.

Charles Barkley: "Why do you be getting them dumb fouls?"

Karl-Anthony Towns: "God only knows."pic.twitter.com/nKNswtJZqd

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 30, 2025

Charles Barkley complimented Karl-Anthony Towns’ feet when he wore slides to the postgame interview:

“You the only basketball player I know that got good looking feet, damn!” 😂🦶

KAT: “Shoutout to my momma, man!” 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/qk49FWqhk5

— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 30, 2025

Game 6 shifts back to Indianapolis. Tipoff is set for Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT.

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