NBA playoffs 2025: Scouts, execs, coaches talk Knicks-Pacers

Email

Print

There are plenty of reasons behind the Indiana Pacers' 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks heading into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday. One stands above the rest:

In a matchup featuring All-NBA point guards Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton, there has been no question about which of the two has been more impactful. (Hint: It's the guy who had one of the most impressive offensive performances in playoff history in a victory that moved the Pacers one win from their first Finals since 2000.)

"His ability to play both on and off the ball is so unique," a Western Conference executive said of Haliburton, who in Game 4 became the first player in playoff history…