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Magic Johnson Assigns Blame for Knicks' Playoff Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 1:01 AM ET

The New York Knicks needed a win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals to extend the series and get a shot at the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the Indiana Pacers ended up blowing them out, 125-108.

Indiana led by as many as 21 points, thanks to Pascal Siakam, who exploded for 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Tyrese Haliburton was also sensational with 31 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals.

OG Anunoby led the Knicks in scoring with 24 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points. However, the New York big man shot 0-of-4 from deep.

Jalen Brunson, who was averaging 33.0 points in the series entering Game 6, finished with 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting.

Following the game, NBA legend Magic Johnson was quick to share his assessment of the battle that had just ensued. He focused on the Knicks' loss, pinning the blame on Towns and Brunson for failing to show up when it mattered most.

"The New York Knicks lost Game 6 because their two superstars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t play well," Johnson explained. "They also didn’t control the pace of game."

Unfortunately for the Knicks, they no longer have a chance to redeem themselves and now head home with plenty of questions to answer about their lineup and their performance.

With Indiana's win, they officially closed out the series against the Knicks, 4-2, and booked a ticket to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It remains to be seen what steps the Knicks will take in order to return to the conference finals, but they certainly missed out on what could have been a great opportunity to contend for the championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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