In playoff basketball, defense doesn’t just win championships — it builds comebacks, breaks opponents’ rhythm, and breathes life back into a team teetering on the edge. That was exactly the case in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the New York Knicks, trailing by double digits, turned the tide with a defensive stand that may go down as one of the defining stretches of their postseason run.
With their backs against the wall, the @nyknicks brought the fight to the Indiana Pacers — not just with buckets, but with intensity, hustle, and the kind of grit that defines playoff basketball. They sparked a comeback not with flashy offense, but with stops, steals, blocks, and sheer determination. The Garden may not have been home for this one, but Knicks basketball was alive and well on the defensive end.
The Struggle Before the Surge
For much of the first half, it looked like the Pacers were going to pull away and put a stranglehold on the series. Indiana’s ball movement was crisp, their shooters were locked in, and the Knicks — riddled with injuries and visibly fatigued — looked a step slow. Down by 12 at halftime, New York needed a spark.
They didn’t find it with a heat-check three or a highlight-reel dunk. Instead, it came from digging in and doing the dirty work. It came from closing out on shooters, fighting through screens, and putting bodies on the floor for loose balls. That’s how the comeback started — possession by possession, stop by stop.
Jalen Brunson: The Offensive Engine, Defensive Leader
While Jalen Brunson has earned endless praise for his offensive brilliance, it was his leadership and effort on the defensive end that helped ignite the Knicks’ turnaround. Despite playing heavy minutes all postseason, Brunson continued to show heart, diving for loose balls and forcing tough decisions for the Pacers’ ball handlers.
In the third quarter, as the Knicks began their comeback push, Brunson’s on-ball pressure forced two straight turnovers, leading to fast-break points and shifting the momentum. His energy was contagious, inspiring teammates to raise their level of play and match his tenacity.
Josh Hart, the Heart of the Defense
If there’s a poster child for the Knicks’ defensive identity, it’s Josh Hart. Once again, he showed why he’s one of the most valuable role players in the league. He guarded multiple positions, chased down rebounds, and was the first to every 50-50 ball.
In the key stretch of the third quarter, Hart drew a charge, blocked a corner three, and grabbed three defensive boards that ended Pacers possessions cold. His ability to defend and rebound at a high level has given the Knicks extra possessions and second chances time and time again.
Anunoby’s Return — And Impact
After missing a few games due to injury, OG Anunoby made a limited but meaningful return to the rotation. His presence alone disrupted Indiana’s offensive flow. Known as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, Anunoby’s strength and IQ helped the Knicks contain the Pacers’ wing threats.
He may not have filled up the stat sheet, but his rotations were sharp, and his ability to switch and guard without fouling stabilized the Knicks’ defense during a crucial run. When he was on the floor, the Knicks looked more cohesive and confident on that end.
The Turning Point
Down by nine midway through the third, the Knicks went on a 15-2 run — and 10 of those points came off defensive stops. A strip by DiVincenzo led to a breakaway dunk. A forced shot clock violation got the bench on their feet. A double-team trap caused a bad pass and turnover, flipped instantly into a transition three by Quentin Grimes.
The Pacers started hesitating. The ball movement that came so easy in the first half slowed to a crawl. The Knicks weren’t just stopping Indiana — they were dictating the tempo.
That defensive spark lit the fuse for a roaring comeback, and by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the momentum had fully shifted.
Holding the Lead Late
After taking the lead early in the fourth, the Knicks didn’t just rely on buckets to keep control — they clamped down even harder. Indiana managed only 18 points in the final period, their lowest of the series. Every possession was contested. Every shot was challenged.
Mitchell Robinson, returning to the paint after missing time with an ankle issue, anchored the defense in the closing minutes. He altered shots at the rim, deterred drives, and grabbed two huge rebounds in traffic that effectively sealed the game.
Message Sent
By the final buzzer, the Knicks had completed one of their most memorable wins of the postseason. What made it special wasn’t just the comeback itself — it was how they did it. Not by outshooting the opponent, but by grinding them down. Not by leaning on a single superstar, but by defending as a unit.
In the playoffs, momentum is everything. And for the Knicks, that momentum was earned — not given — on the defensive end.
What Comes Next
With the series now tied 2-2, the Knicks have reasserted themselves as a force in this conference finals battle. The Pacers know they can’t take a lead for granted, and New York knows they have a formula that works: defend, rebound, and trust the grit that got them here.
Game 5 will be back in the Garden, where the energy will be off the charts. And if this team brings the same defensive mindset, they’ll give their fans something more to believe in.
For now, the message is clear: the Knicks are alive, and they’re coming for more.
Defense sparked the fire.
#NBAConferenceFinals | #KnicksTape 🔥🗽💪
