The New York Knicks suffered another setback in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on May 27, 2025, as Karl-Anthony Towns sustained a knee injury late in Game 4. Head coach Tom Thibodeau provided a cautious update regarding Towns’ condition, underscoring concerns ahead of the critical Game 5. With the Knicks trailing in the series, the status of their center and the team’s defensive struggles have intensified worries about their playoff survival.

Details on Karl-Anthony Towns’ Injury During Pivotal Game 4

During the final minutes of Game 4, the Knicks were trailing by seven points and desperately attempting to mount a comeback. In an aggressive drive to the basket, Karl-Anthony Towns collided with Aaron Nesmith, resulting in Towns falling painfully onto his left knee. Although he remained on the court to finish the game, observable discomfort and limping indicated the injury’s severity. Towns scored 24 points overall but appeared limited in the second half, after contributing 14 points in the first half alone.

After the game, Tom Thibodeau commented on Towns’ condition:

“He was able to go back in, so that’s a good sign. We’ll see where he is after he gets evaluated.”

—Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks Head Coach

The Knicks now face uncertainty regarding their center‘s availability for Game 5. The evaluation of Towns’ knee injury will be pivotal to their chances as they head back to New York with the series at 3-1 in favor of Indiana.

What Contributed to the Knicks’ Defensive Breakdown in Game 4?

The Knicks’ 20-point rally in Game 3 suggested a possible shift in momentum, but that resilience did not carry over into Game 4. Indiana exploded with 43 points in the opening quarter, holding firm throughout the night, while the Knicks appeared unable to contain their opponent’s fast-paced offense. Jalen Brunson and his teammates had previously imposed a stifling defense, restricting the Pacers to 100 points in Game 3, but struggled dramatically in this latest contest.

Coach Thibodeau pinpointed turnovers as a major factor undermining the Knicks’ defensive efforts. He explained,

“We knew it was gonna be a fast game. The priority was defensive transition. But we hurt ourselves with our turnovers, putting them in the open floor.”

—Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks Head Coach

Throughout the game, New York committed 17 turnovers, allowing Indiana to capitalize in transition repeatedly. This breakdown enabled Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to control the floor effectively, making history by becoming the first playoff player to record at least 30 points, 10 assists, and 15 rebounds without committing a turnover.

Impact of Towns’ Injury on the Knicks’ Playoff Outlook

Karl-Anthony Towns has been a central figure in the Knicks’ playoff push, providing scoring, rebounding, and interior defense. His unexpected knee injury adds a daunting hurdle, especially as the postseason intensity escalates. If Towns is sidelined or limited for Game 5, New York’s path to extend the series becomes even more precarious, given their recent defensive lapses and reliance on his presence inside.

Coach Thibodeau and the Knicks will now face the challenge of tightening ball control and reducing turnovers while assessing Towns’ health status. Maintaining playoff competitiveness will hinge on whether Towns can return to full strength and how the team adjusts defensively without him, highlighting the fragility of their season’s continuation.

Assessing the Knicks’ Chances Moving Forward

Game 5 presents a crucial opportunity for the Knicks to regain momentum and avoid elimination. With their backs against the wall, the team must balance cautious management of Towns’ knee injury and renewed defensive discipline, particularly in transition. Success will depend heavily on mitigating the mistakes that plagued Game 4 and on whether their key players can perform under pressure.

The series’ outcome may also influence roster strategies and minutes allocation, should Towns’ knee require extended recovery. For New York fans and analysts alike, all eyes remain on the evolving situation around their star center as the playoff battle intensifies.