The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 85-76 in Game 5 of this best of seven series. The Knicks keep their season alive and they do it with the usual help of Carmelo Anthony, but they had big players come through as the game went on.
The Knicks were a different team in Game 5. Chris Copeland was a big piece for the Knicks as he came off the bench and scored 13 points going 3-4 from beyond the arc. Suddenly, the Knicks looked active beyond the arc and they had a better shooting night from the floor. J.R. Smith struggled, but he was useful scoring 13 points. Raymond Felton added 12 while Anthony finished with 28.
The Pacers couldn't buy a bucket in this game as they had stretches where they could have cut the lead down. Also, the Pacers did a terrible job from the free throw line barely shooting over 50 percent. The Knicks held a double-digit lead for most of the second half and never allowed the Pacers to lead in this game.
As a team, the Knicks shot 43 percent from the floor. They did a better rebounding the ball, but the Pacers still won that battle. One thing the Knicks did consistently in this survival game was answer back to Pacer runs. It the Knicks went on a short 4-0 run, the Knicks responded with a 6-0 run.
With the victory, the Knicks are able to keep their season alive as they defeated the Pacers in Game 5. The Pacers take the series home where they have a chance to wrap things up on Saturday. The kesy for them will be getting George Hill back. Paul George had 23 points, but he played soft defense in the fourth after picking up his fifth foul. David West added 17 and D.J. Augustin, the Pacers replacement for Hill, finished with 12 points.
For now, the Miami Heat will have to patiently wait and they are probably hoping this series goes to seven games.
