New York City's Mayor Has Clear Message During Knicks' Game 5 vs. Pacers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Apratim Banerjee | Last updated May 29, 2025 9:53 PM ET

The New York Knicks are playing the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their series in the Eastern Conference finals.

Tom Thibodeau's side are currently 3-1 down in the series and another loss will see them bow out.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have already reached the NBA finals. The Knicks are looking to join them, but are walking on thin ice. They need to win all three games remaining in the series.

Ahead of tonight's crucial clash at Madison Square Garden, New York City's mayor sent a special message to the fans. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"I often say there are 8.5 million New Yorkers with 35 million opinions. Tonight, we’re all on the same page: Let’s go, @nyknicks! #NewYorkForever"

I often say there are 8.5 million New Yorkers with 35 million opinions.

Tonight, we’re all on the same page: Let’s go, @nyknicks!#NewYorkForever https://t.co/0tA4OWPB5O
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) May 29, 2025

It hasn't clicked for the Knicks yet in the series. They defeated the Boston Celtics in the last round to reach the Eastern Conference final.

Tom Thibodeau, though, has his team's support. After Game 3, star player Jalen Brunson said about getting Thibodeau to reach his first NBA finals:

"Now that you asked that question, watching this man work tirelessly day-in and day-out, 364 days out of the year. He maybe takes one day off. It would mean a lot. I know he's not thinking about that. I know he's not thinking about what it would mean to him."

Jalen Brunson was asked what it would mean to Tom Thibodeau to get to his first NBA Finals:

"Now that you asked that question, watching this man work tirelessly day-in and day-out, 364 days out of the year. He maybe takes one day off. It would mean a lot. I know he's not… pic.twitter.com/bbNBvbLd3I
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 26, 2025

All three losses have been close for the Knicks during the series. They haven't been blown away by any regards but have choked in crucial moments.

Players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns need to step up if the Knicks are to make a historic comeback and reach the NBA finals for the first time since 1999.

They have started Game 5 in a strong manner and currently lead 23-13 in the first quarter. However, they need to go all the way and get the job done.

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

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