At first, the box score didn’t look right.
Tyrese Haliburton’s numbers were so dramatically different from what they were two nights prior.
He entered halftime of the Pacers’ 111-94 Game 5 loss to the Knicks without a made field goal and just four points off free throws.
Haliburton didn’t make his first shot until there was 9:40 left in the third quarter.
He finished with just eight points on 2-for-7 shooting from the field along with six assists and two rebounds.
The Knicks’ defensive effort against him was night-and-day compared to Game 4, when he erupted for a triple double.
Mikal Bridges, who primarily guarded him again, noticeably picked him up much further up the court, similar to how Pacers defenders have pressured Jalen Brunson.
It prevented Haliburton from getting a running start to set up the Pacers offense and got him out of rhythm.
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Bridges also did a much better job navigating the countless screens the Pacers set to try and get Haliburton favorable matchups.
Delon Wright and Landry Shamet contributed valuable minutes again, particularly in the second quarter.
They aggressively pressured Pacers ball-handlers, and their relentless energy was contagious and set a tone for the rest of the defense.
When Shamet forced T.J. McConnell out of bounds for a turnover in the fourth quarter, the Madison Square Garden crowd loudly chanted his name.
When he went to the bench earlier in the game, he received booming applause.
The Knicks also completely neutralized Aaron Nesmith, who finished with three points on 1-for-8 shooting from the field.
Pascal Siakam, who had been brilliant most of the series, was quiet with 15 points on 5-for-13 shooting from the field.
In total, Pacers starters were 12-for-38 from the field, good for a brutal 31.6 percent.
Mitchell Robinson, after a rough Game 4, was a big part of it.
He flew around on the defensive end and finished with two blocks and a steal.
Even Karl-Anthony Towns, on a balky knee, showed an improved defensive effort.
If the Knicks are to continue their comeback in the series, this is the blueprint.
What’s happening on and off the Garden court
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As the Mandalorian say, this is the way.