Tyrese Haliburton Makes NBA Playoff History as Pacers Push Knicks to Brink of Elimination
INDIANAPOLIS – May 28, 2025
Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, posting a historic triple-double to lead the Indiana Pacers to a crucial 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. With this commanding win, Indiana has now taken a 3-1 series lead and stands just one victory away from returning to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Haliburton’s Historic Triple-Double Powers Pacers
Haliburton was simply unstoppable on the court, recording 32 points, 15 assists, and a career-high 12 rebounds, all while playing 38 minutes without committing a single turnover. This incredible stat line made Haliburton the first player in NBA playoff history to post a 30-point, 15-assist, 10-rebound triple-double without a turnover — a feat that underscores his basketball IQ, control, and elite playmaking abilities.
“I was just trying to be aggressive, trying to respond,” Haliburton said postgame. “I felt like I let the team down in Game 3, so it was important to come out here and just make plays. The guys put me in great positions, and it’s a big win for us.”
His energy and leadership from the opening tip were evident. Haliburton posted 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for Indiana’s fast-paced, high-efficiency offense. The Pacers led 43-35 after the first 12 minutes and never looked back.
TAKE A BOW, TYRESE HALIBURTON 👏
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2025
🔥 32 PTS
🔥 15 AST (0 TO)
🔥 12 REB
🔥 4 STL
🔥 5 3PM
HE HAS THE @Pacers ONE WIN AWAY FROM THE FINALS! pic.twitter.com/x3la65XvpG
Indiana One Win Away from NBA Finals Berth
The Pacers now lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and are just one win away from securing a spot in the 2025 NBA Finals — a place they haven’t reached since 2000, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and Haliburton is ready for the challenge.
“I’m excited about it. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Haliburton said about Game 5. “It’s a tough environment to play in. We’ve got to be ready. Just one more game, take what we can from this, and be ready.”
fire frames from Game 4 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UTUU3H9KDc
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 28, 2025
Family Moment: Haliburton’s Father Returns After Ban
Adding a personal touch to the night, Haliburton shared the moment with his father, who returned to the arena for the first time since serving a month-long ban following a courtside incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo during Indiana’s series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Hell yeah. I’m glad Pop is in the building,” Haliburton said with a smile. “It makes it that much more sweet. Had a little bit to do with it.”
TAKE A BOW, TYRESE HALIBURTON 👏
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2025
🔥 32 PTS
🔥 15 AST (0 TO)
🔥 12 REB
🔥 4 STL
🔥 5 3PM
HE HAS THE @Pacers ONE WIN AWAY FROM THE FINALS! pic.twitter.com/x3la65XvpG
Supporting Cast Shines: Siakam, Mathurin, Toppin Step Up
While Haliburton stole the headlines, Pascal Siakam also had a stellar night, pouring in 30 points on an efficient shooting display. His presence in the post and ability to stretch the floor kept the Knicks’ defense on its heels.
“We just wanted to come out with more energy, more urgency, play Pacers basketball,” Siakam said. “I thought we did that from the beginning. They made runs, but we stuck to our game plan.”
Bennedict Mathurin added 20 key points off the bench, energizing the second unit and delivering timely buckets that helped Indiana maintain momentum throughout.
“He was great. He gave us a huge lift,” said Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle, who praised Mathurin’s composure in the playoff spotlight.
Obi Toppin also made a decisive impact late in the fourth quarter, sinking a dagger three-pointer with 46 seconds left to give Indiana a 126-116 lead and effectively seal the victory.
A BIG-TIME SHOWING FROM PASCAL SIAKAM!
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2025
💪 30 PTS
💪 5 REB
💪 3 3PM
He helps guide Indy to a 3-1 series lead in the ECF!
Game 5: Thursday, 5/29 at 8pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/6eqX3Iia6U
Knicks Struggle Defensively Despite Big Scoring Night
The New York Knicks, now on the brink of elimination, couldn’t contain Indiana’s offensive rhythm. Despite solid offensive contributions, their defense faltered throughout the contest.
- Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, trying to will his team back in the final minutes.
- Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 12 rebounds, playing through pain after suffering a left knee injury late in the game.
- O.G. Anunoby scored 22 points, while Mikal Bridges chipped in with 17 points.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged his team’s defensive shortcomings and vowed to regroup.
“Our defense wasn’t good enough. Our defense and turnovers probably hurt us,” Thibodeau said. “The important thing is to reset. We’re not playing the series. We’re playing the game.”
Injury Concern: Towns Plays Through Knee Scare
There was concern late in the game when Karl-Anthony Towns went down while defending a drive from Indiana’s Myles Turner with just over two minutes remaining. Though Towns stayed in the game and completed the contest, his postgame comments reflected concern.
“I’m only thinking about the loss. I’m not thinking about that right now,” Towns told reporters when asked about his knee. Thibodeau added, “He was able to go back in. That was a good sign. We’ll see how he is after he’s evaluated.”
Momentum Shifts and Key Moments
- Haliburton’s hot start helped Indiana build a double-digit lead early, and despite several New York runs, the Pacers held their composure.
- Indiana led 69-64 at halftime and extended the lead to 102-91 heading into the final quarter.
- New York trimmed the deficit to six points with a 10-2 run in the fourth, but timely shooting from Siakam and Toppin extinguished any hopes of a Knicks comeback.
Nesmith goes airborne 🛫
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2025
Pacers leading in the 3Q seeking a 3-1 lead! pic.twitter.com/Cs1piKOrMJ
Haliburton’s Night by the Numbers
Stat | Value |
Points | 32 |
Assists | 15 |
Rebounds | 12 (Career High) |
Turnovers | 0 |
Minutes Played | 38 |
1st Quarter Line | 15 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB |
FG % | 60%+ |
“To not have any turnovers is pretty remarkable,” Coach Rick Carlisle said. “I know he takes great pride in it. That’s a motivating factor for him.”
What’s at Stake in Game 5
- A Pacers win on Thursday at Madison Square Garden would send Indiana to its first NBA Finals since 2000, where legends like Reggie Miller once roamed the hardwood.
- A Knicks win would force a Game 6 back in Indiana, giving New York a chance to stay alive in a series they’ve struggled to control.
The Knicks have not reached the NBA Finals since 1999, and their last NBA Championship was in 1973. Meanwhile, the Pacers are still chasing their first-ever NBA title.
“You’ve got to give it your all,” Jalen Brunson said after the loss. “It’s that simple.”
Upcoming Schedule: Eastern Conference Finals
Game 5: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden, New York
Tip-off: Thursday, 8:30 PM ET
Broadcast: TNT / NBA League Pass
Final Word
Tyrese Haliburton’s record-setting triple-double was not just a stat-padding performance — it was a statement. With his leadership, poise, and efficiency, the Pacers now stand on the cusp of history. But the Knicks are far from done, and with their season on the line, Game 5 at Madison Square Garden promises to be a battle of wills and resilience.
