“They Come In And Wreak Havoc”: Tyrese Haliburton Admits Knicks’ Bench Stopped Pacers In The Second Half…..

 

“They Come In And Wreak Havoc”: Tyrese Haliburton Admits Knicks’ Bench Stopped Pacers In The Second Half

When Tyrese Haliburton stepped up to the postgame podium following the Indiana Pacers’ Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the All-Star guard didn’t mince words. The Indiana native and floor general was gracious in defeat but candid in his assessment of what turned the tide in a tightly-contested series: New York’s bench.

“They come in and wreak havoc,” Haliburton said. “They don’t just hold it down — they swing momentum. That second half, we couldn’t match their energy.”

It was a telling statement, not just about Game 5 — which saw the Knicks break open a tight game in the third quarter en route to a 114–101 victory — but about how the identity of Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks has been redefined in the 2025 playoffs. What once was viewed as a top-heavy squad led by the brilliance of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle has transformed into a deep, unrelenting force fueled by a bench unit that delivers defense, effort, and timely shot-making.

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A Game of Two Halves

At halftime, the Pacers trailed by just three, 54–51. Tyrese Haliburton had been efficient, distributing the ball with poise and knocking down shots. Pascal Siakam had his usual mix of drives and mid-range jumpers working. The game was within reach.

But then came the third quarter.

In a span of six minutes, the Knicks’ reserves — led by Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, Precious Achiuwa, and veteran sharpshooter Alec Burks — outscored Indiana’s bench 18–4. They forced five turnovers, grabbed every loose ball, and turned defense into offense with precision. What had been a neck-and-neck contest turned into a Knicks’ double-digit lead by the end of the frame.

“We got outplayed, plain and simple,” Haliburton said. “When their bench guys come in and raise the intensity, we didn’t respond fast enough.”

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The Josh Hart Effect

At the center of that surge was Josh Hart, whose playoff heroics have become a recurring theme in New York. Though not always the leading scorer, Hart has carved out a niche as the team’s emotional engine — a relentless rebounder, defender, and hustle king.

In Game 5, Hart finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds (4 offensive), and 3 steals. But those numbers didn’t fully capture his impact. He chased down 50/50 balls, disrupted passing lanes, and wrestled control of the game’s pace in the third quarter. The Garden crowd roared each time he dove onto the floor or muscled up for a second-chance bucket.

“He’s the soul of our team,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Josh plays winning basketball — you see it in every possession.”

Haliburton echoed that sentiment. “You try to box him out, and he still finds a way to get the rebound,” he said with a shake of the head. “That stuff kills momentum when you play 23 seconds of great defense and he grabs it again. It’s demoralizing.”

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McBride’s Moment

Miles “Deuce” McBride has long been a fan favorite among Knicks diehards, and in Game 5, he showcased why. The backup guard came in during the third quarter and immediately made his presence felt by hounding Haliburton and T.J. McConnell with physical, in-your-face defense. He added 11 points and 2 steals while orchestrating the offense with confidence.

But it was his defense that drew praise postgame.

“McBride’s defense changed the flow,” Haliburton admitted. “He just doesn’t let you breathe. When they put him on me, I had to work harder to get to my spots.”

McBride’s ability to pick up full-court and still maintain offensive rhythm is a rarity in today’s NBA. His work ethic, developed in the shadows behind Brunson and Immanuel Quickley (now with the Raptors), has blossomed in the postseason.

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The Bench Identity: Grit, Grind, and Glue

What makes the Knicks’ bench so devastating isn’t just individual brilliance — it’s collective synergy. Each player brings something different, but they share a common identity: grit and resilience.

Precious Achiuwa, whose minutes have increased due to injuries, provided vital rim protection and transition buckets. Alec Burks, back in his second stint with the Knicks, offers scoring versatility off the dribble and from deep. Together with Hart and McBride, they form a group that often flips games on their head.

This is not your average “give the starters a rest” unit. This bench is a weapon.

Thibodeau, known for his trust in veteran players and defensive intensity, now confidently leans on his reserves in pivotal moments. In Game 5, the bench played 68 combined minutes — a clear sign that the coach has found something sustainable.

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Knicks’ Depth in Context

While much of the national media attention has (rightfully) focused on Jalen Brunson’s MVP-level playoff performance — he added another 31 points and 9 assists in Game 5 — the Knicks’ depth is what separates them from prior iterations of themselves.

“Jalen’s going to do his thing,” Haliburton said. “He’s a killer. But when you’ve got guys coming off the bench and playing with that kind of fire, it makes the whole team hard to beat.”

In contrast, Indiana’s bench struggled. Obi Toppin, once a Knick himself, was held in check. McConnell was flustered by McBride’s defense. Ben Sheppard, the promising rookie, looked overwhelmed by the stage.

It’s a recurring theme. In the playoffs, depth isn’t about quantity — it’s about quality under pressure. And the Knicks’ bench is proving to be battle-tested.

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Tyrese Haliburton’s Respect

Haliburton, never one to shy away from accountability, didn’t hide from what went wrong.

“We’ve got to be better in those minutes,” he said. “It’s one thing to trade buckets with their starters. But when you let their second unit build a lead — and not just hold one — you’re playing from behind.”

His honesty is rare among young stars, and his leadership is unquestioned in Indiana’s locker room. But his words also show just how formidable New York has become — when your opponent’s star singles out your bench as the difference-maker, it’s a mark of elite team-building.

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Looking Ahead

With the Knicks leading the series 3–2, momentum is firmly on their side. Game 6 in Indiana looms as a do-or-die contest for the Pacers. But even if Brunson isn’t his usual self, the Knicks have proven they can grind out wins with their depth.

“They make it hard,” Haliburton said. “Every time you think you’ve got a window, their bench slams it shut.”

The Pacers will need more from their reserves. More energy, more composure, more presence. Because if New York’s bench continues its two-way dominance, the Eastern Conference Finals might be calling Madison Square Garden sooner than expected.

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Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Playoff Success

Playoff basketball often boils down to who wants it more — who’s willing to fight for every rebound, dive for every loose ball, take the hit and still finish the layup. The Knicks’ bench, game after game, is delivering in those intangible categories.

And in a series as close and physical as Knicks vs. Pacers, those little things become big things.

Haliburton’s statement, “They come in and wreak havoc,” wasn’t just a compliment — it was an acknowledgment of what makes the 2025 Knicks dangerous. They’re not just riding the coattails of a superstar. They’ve built something deeper. Something that wins in May.

As the Knicks inch closer to a potential Eastern Conference Finals berth, they’ll do so not just behind Brunson’s brilliance, but behind the wrecking crew of role players who come off the bench and change the game.

And the rest of the league? They’re starting to take notice.