NBA legend Magic Johnson did not mince words in his postgame analysis, pinpointing the Knicks’ two superstars, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, as the primary reasons behind the defeat.

Taking to social media shortly after the game, Magic Johnson laid out his thoughts clearly:
“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.”

Johnson’s critique focused on the underwhelming performances of the Knicks’ leading players. Brunson managed only 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Towns contributed 22 points on 8-of-19 shooting. Both struggled defensively and failed to assert control over the game’s tempo, which allowed the Pacers to seize momentum and pull away.

Knicks’ defeat to Pacers

The Knicks’ two stars struggled to find their rhythm in Game 6, a stark contrast to their performances earlier in the series. Jalen Brunson, who had been the team’s offensive engine throughout the playoffs, shot just 8-of-18 from the field and failed to make a significant impact in crunch time.

His frustration was evident late in the game when he head-butted Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, resulting in a technical foul and further disrupting New York’s momentum. 

Karl-Anthony Towns, who had been dominant inside during the series, was limited by Indiana’s physical defense. He managed 22 points on 8-of-19 shooting but was unable to assert the same level of control in the paint as in previous games.

Towns’ foul trouble also hampered his ability to stay aggressive, forcing the Knicks to rely more heavily on their perimeter players. Defensively, Towns struggled to contain the Pacers’ versatile offense, allowing key players like Tyrese Haliburton to exploit mismatches and create scoring opportunities.

What is next for the Knicks?

With the season over, the Knicks will look to build around their core while addressing the inconsistencies that surfaced in the playoffs. Both Brunson and Towns showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year, but Magic Johnson’s blunt evaluation underscores the need for more consistent performances on the biggest stage.

Meanwhile, the Pacers advance to the NBA Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder starting this Thursday night, a matchup that promises intense competition and high stakes.