The Eastern Conference Finals will enter Game 6 of Indianapolis, with the Indiana Pacers leading 3-2, giving them their first NBA Finals since 2000.

But standing on their way was the tough Knicks, who had a comeback on Thursday after losing two games at Madison Square Garden, a series that extended the chances after a first-ever defeat in New York.

Our NBA insiders broke the most important things to watch this crucial game 6, including how the Pacers ended the series, and what the Knicks and coach Tom Thibodeau need to do to force seven games in MSG.

How we get here

It's no surprise when the Pacers made a comeback in the fourth quarter of Madison Square Garden to win the first game of the series with a 17-point fourth-quarter return, it's no surprise that these seven best things will end this way: with the Pacers having a chance to go with a 3-2 series and NBA finals. The Pacers have largely controlled the run of the game, especially Jalen Brunson, and Jalen Brunson in particular – and a great performance from Tyrese Haliburton, especially a spectacular 32, 15, 15, null game, in Game 4. In Game 5, the script flipped in Game 5, when New York listed New York's Leed Wire Wire Wire Wire the series, sending a match to Game 6. -Tim Bontemps

The Pacers will enter their first NBA finals since 2000, if ______.

Halliburton rebounded. Halliburton excelled in Game 5 after one of the most impressive point guards in Game 4 playoff history.

As Halliburton went, the walkers walked away. This has been the case all season - when Halliburton scored more than 20 points, they were 30-3 (regular season and playoffs) - especially during the playoffs. In 11 wins this season, he averaged 47.7% from 47.7%, while four losses were 11.5 points and 39%. In Game 5, Halliburton scored 8 points.

The total number of Haliburton's views doesn't often tell the whole story as his passing style unlocks the Pacers' offense, but admits he needs to be more aggressive in Game 6, and he vows to do more.

"I have to be better," Haliburton said Thursday night. "And I will be better in Game 6." - Jamal Collier

Who is the biggest X factor that needs to be strengthened in Game 6?

Aaron Nesmith, who played just 16 minutes in the Pacers' Game 5, later admitted that his ankle was not 100%. However, he is a significant contributor to both ends, as a spacer for offense (50% of the three-pointers in the playoffs), and by far the best option for the team to defend Jaren Brunson. Indiana must hope he looks healthier and play more in Game 6.

For the Knicks, the biggest X factor is Brunson's defense. Indiana aimed all his series, and he was repeatedly hit by torch in Game 4. According to Geniusiq, Indiana scored as much as 1.53 points per game when Brunson guards directly resulted in a shot, foul or turnover screen. But in Game 5, the Pacers were unable to effectively aim at Brunson and each direct selection was only 0.83 points. According to the net point, this is Brunson's first active defensive game in the series - New York hopes he will provide a similar effort in the sixth inning and his usual offensive excellence. - Zach Stall

The most critical decision that Tom Thibodeau should consider for Game 6 is ____.

His spin, just keeps keeping his flexibility. No, it’s not what he knows, but it’s a salvation grace for him and the Knicks in this series.

One of the reasons New York was able to force Game 6 was that the club was ultimately not hampered by the foul troubles in town in the second half of the year. When he committed a fourth foul - Thibodeau quickly recorded by inserting highly destructive center Mitchell Robinson - the Pacers chose to deliberately foul the poor free-shooting big man. It's a danger that New York might look like it could be staggering as it shranks from the early lead to 10 points.

But Thibodeau was covered up in the rare big-school precious achiuwa, and the Knicks soon took the lead 12-0, extending the lead to 22 years old. Thibodeau was successful throughout the series, when Delon Wright and LandryrysheT and Landrysrysheet, such as the base level defenders, could fight against the powerful Indiana offense. - Chris Herring

The 7th game of the Garden will be ____.

Electric. The two teams competed in a fascinating seven-game series last year, but by the end of the first quarter of Game 7, NYMS has dropped four starters. Julius Randle, Robinson, Brunson and Og Anunoby were injured and turned the last three quarters into form. If the Knicks could force the series to New York series – a tough task considering the advantages Indiana enjoys over most of the event’s strengths, it wouldn’t be more exciting than being in the world’s most famous arena on Monday at 8 p.m. ET. It's fun to think about it, but the Knicks still have a lot of work to do to achieve this reality. - bontemps