The New York Knicks’ playoff run ended abruptly with a 125-108 loss to the Indiana Pacers in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite a competitive first half, the Knicks couldn’t keep their rhythm in the second half, leading to their postseason elimination.
Knicks’ key presence in the Knicks’ lineup, including Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns, successfully gave head-to-head competition to the Pacers’ depth throughout the series. Brunson, who averaged 33 points per game in the series, scored just 19 in their last knock, while Towns struggled with his shooting, including missing all four of his three-point attempts. The Pacers capitalized on the Knicks’ lapses, outscoring them 25-10 in fast breakpoints and forcing 17 turnovers, which they converted into 34 points.
NBA legend Magic Johnson quickly weighed in on the defeat, attributing the loss to the underperformance of the Knicks’ star players. He pointed out that Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns failed to deliver in the clutch moments.
“The New York Knicks lost Game 6 because their two superstars, Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns, didn’t play well and didn’t control the pace of the game,” Johnson tweeted.
The New York Knicks lost Game 6 because their two superstars Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns didn’t play well. They also didn’t control the pace of game.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 1, 2025
The defensive pressure disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm and allowed the Pacers to pull away in the second half. With the series now concluded, the Knicks face a crucial offseason. Addressing the concerns raised by Johnson and others will remain vital as they aim to build a more resilient and strong team for the future.
Fans Spoke Their Opinion On Magic Johnson’s Tweet
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Fans took to social media to share their opinions on the Knicks’ playoff elimination, and those are divided. While some users agreed with Magic Johnson’s criticism, others came to their defense. Under Johnson’s tweet, the comment section reflects frustration, disagreement, and support.
Someone considers neither of the players a superstar, stating, “Because neither is a true superstar. They need one more guy (Giannis ).”
Because neither are true super stars. They need one more guy ( Giannis )
— Mike Vega (@MikeVega2408) June 1, 2025
Another user making a difference in the gaming strategy of both teams, commented, “But Magic let’s be honest, it’s 100% basic why the Pacers won: They hit their 3-point shots, the Knicks didn’t. That’s literally it.“
But Magic let’s be honest, it’s 100% basic why the Pacers won:
— Patrick W. Cutler (@PatrickWCutler) June 1, 2025
They hit their 3-point shots, the Knicks didn’t.
That’s literally it.
A fan who knows the Pacers are a better team with a better coach posted, “Actually, they lost because the Pacers were the better team. They also had the better coach.”
Actually, they lost because the Pacers were the better team. They also had the better coach.
— Adam Battocchi (@AdamBattocchi) June 1, 2025
Someone questions,” You mean Brunson dribbling for 17 seconds every possession wasn’t a good idea?“
You mean Brunson dribbling for 17 seconds every possession wasn’t a good idea?
— OC21 (@IAmOC21) June 1, 2025
Here, one ironically wrote,” Thank you for that insight, Magic! Had no idea that was the case from watching the game.“
Thank you for that insight, Magic! Had no idea that was the case from watching the game.
— WG (@NvictusManeo) June 1, 2025
The Knicks’ playoff exit sparked strong reactions and raised key questions about their core roster. How the front office responds as the offseason begins could define the team’s direction for years ahead.
Also Read: NBA Legend Magic Johnson Gets Honest About Kevin Durant In A Way Every Lakers Fan Would Agree With
