Knicks on the Brink The hallowed grounds of Madison Square Garden crackled with anticipation and nostalgia Tuesday night. With the Indiana Pacers holding a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, Game 5 wasn’t just a potential closeout – it was a stage for history, high stakes, and the revival of one of the NBA’s most iconic fan-player rivalries.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off” crew, broadcasting live from the heart of New York City, set the scene perfectly. Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley emphasized the intensity of a series featuring 54 lead changes and 41 ties through four games. The Pacers, fueled by Tyrese Haliburton’s historic Game 4 performance (32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, 0 turnovers) and Pascal Siakam’s consistent scoring (30 points in Game 4), stood poised to secure only their second NBA Finals berth in franchise history, the last coming 25 years ago.
For the battered but resilient New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson (averaging 33 points per game in the series), the mission was singular: win Game 5 at home and force a return to Indiana for Game 6. “Stay alive down 3-1,” became the desperate mantra echoing through the World’s Most Famous Arena.
Spike vs. Reggie: A Rivalry Forged in MSG Fire
The pregame show instantly became must-watch television when it brought together the legendary duo: Knicks superfan Spike Lee and Pacers icon Reggie Miller. Their fiery, intertwined history, particularly the unforgettable moments from the 1990s Knicks-Pacers playoff battles, took center stage.
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The Infamous Photo: The crew revisited the iconic image of Miller giving Lee the choke sign during the 1994 playoffs. Miller’s quip, “He did it in front of my wife!” drew laughter, perfectly capturing the personal nature of their on-court/fan feud.
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“It’s All Love Now… Mostly”: Both Miller and Lee emphasized their deep respect and friendship today, burying the competitive hatchet. “It’s all love. That’s just dead and buried,” Miller stated. Lee agreed, highlighting their lasting bond despite the past fireworks. “We will forever be intertwined because of this,” Miller added.
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The Bet & The Blame Game: The banter flowed as they recalled a famous bet involving Mike Tyson if the Pacers lost (Lee claims Tyson snubbed him after he showed up). They playfully argued about who started it all (“He started it all, Kenny!” Lee declared), with Miller recalling Lee’s trash talk igniting his legendary Game 5 performance in 1994. “I was having a bad game… until you opened your mouth,” Miller ribbed Lee.
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Spike’s Undying Loyalty: Barkley passionately defended Lee against accusations of being a fair-weather fan. “This dude has been coming to Knicks games for a hundred years… Even when the Knicks on the Brink were down, you’d call me up and say, ‘Do we have a shot?'” Lee confirmed his lifelong devotion, even joking, “I will give up an Academy Award Oscar for the Knicks winning a championship. I got two already, but I will give up.”
Spike’s Passion on Display
Lee arrived at MSG in full regalia, wearing a Malcolm X-inspired outfit (“I won and can bring it here,” he quipped) and proudly displaying replicas of the Knicks’ 1970 and 1973 championship rings. He recounted being present for Willis Reed’s legendary Game 7 in 1970, reinforcing his deep-rooted connection to the franchise. When asked about the Knicks’ chances even if this was their end, Lee remained defiantly hopeful but focused: “I’m not worried about three in a row. We just got to win the game tonight.”
The Analyst Take: Pressure Mounts
The crew analyzed the immense pressure:
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On the Knicks: “If the Knicks on the Brink lose three home games, they didn’t deserve it anyway,” Barkley stated bluntly. The sentiment was clear: winning Game 5 at MSG was non-negotiable for survival.
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On the Pacers: “If you guys can win tonight… all the pressure switches to the Pacers,” Barkley told Lee. “Cuz they don’t want to come back here… cuz if they come back here, they got an ass whooping coming.” Winning Game 5 would relieve massive pressure, avoiding a potential Game 6 in New York that would feel like a Game 7 for Indiana.
Barkley’s Big Apple Appetite
In a classic Barkley moment, the conversation hilariously detoured to his love for New York City street meat. Despite Spike Lee’s polite refusal (“I don’t eat it”), Barkley passionately defended his culinary choices: “I don’t care if it’s pigeon, skunk, rat, raccoon. Long as you put that yellow rice and that white sauce on it… The white sauce tops it off.”
Tip-Off in the Garden
Knicks on the Brink As the broadcast wrapped and the teams prepared for battle, the stage was set. The Pacers aimed to make history and end a 25-year Finals drought on enemy territory. The Knicks, backed by their legendary superfan and a desperate home crowd, fought for survival. The echoes of Reggie’s choke sign and Spike’s courtside passion were a vivid reminder of the history hanging over every possession in a series living up to its thrilling, tension-filled legacy. The Garden was indeed electric, ready to witness whether the Knicks could force another game or if the Pacers would punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.
Also read Knicks Stay Alive in Eastern Conference Finals with Victory Over Pacers
