The Indiana Pacers secured a crucial victory on their home court Friday night, defeating the New York Knicks 116-103 to push their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series to a decisive game seven.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 15 points and nine assists. Myles Turner added 17 points, and six Pacers players scored in double figures. 

Facing elimination after a humiliating game five loss in New York, the Pacers responded with aggressive play, outscoring the Knicks 62-38 in the paint and dominating the rebounding battle. Their defensive efforts included hustling for loose balls, blocking eight shots, and distributing 35 assists, which kept their offense dynamic. They also effectively contained Knicks' star Jalen Brunson for most of the game, maintaining their undefeated home record in this postseason (6-0).

To advance to the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, the Pacers must win on the road for the first time in this series. Game seven will take place on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

"Now it's a one-game series, and it's for all the marbles," Haliburton stated. "Where better to have a game seven than the Garden? No team's won a game on the road in this series, so we've got to be ready to go from start to finish in 48 minutes."

The Pacers broke away with a 17-2 run late in the second quarter, extending their lead to 13 points. Although Donte DiVincenzo hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to 10 at halftime (61-51), the Pacers maintained control.

Brunson, limited to five points in the first half, rallied with 14 points in the third quarter and finished with 31 points. Miles McBride added 20 points for the Knicks, but their efforts were insufficient against the Pacers' relentless performance.

"There really isn't any excuse for anything," Brunson admitted. "Just the way they played tonight you've got to give them credit."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle attributed the win to their intensified effort and highlighted Siakam's key contributions. Acquired from Toronto in January, Siakam brought a veteran presence and crucial shot-making ability.

"He's the only guy on our roster that can manufacture a 16-foot shot over a seven-foot guy and make it," Carlisle said. "He did it three or four times in the third, fourth quarter."

Despite celebrating the win, Carlisle emphasized the need to stay focused for game seven. "In a series like this, you can't sit around patting yourself on the back. That's what gets your ass kicked the next game," he noted.

The Knicks face additional challenges, with forward Josh Hart exiting early in the fourth quarter due to abdominal soreness. This follows injuries to Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby.

"We'll see," was Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau's response regarding Hart's availability for Sunday. Thibodeau stressed that the team must push through their challenges. "This is the nature of the playoffs," he said. "This is what you play for. Oftentimes it comes down to a hustle play, a loose ball...so you're going to get tested physically, mentally, emotionally -- and you've got to be able to get through all of that."

Game seven promises a high-stakes showdown, with both teams vying for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals.