New York - It will always be on defense.

To get the New York Knicks away from elimination, they need to somehow contain the Indiana Pacers. New York did this in at least one game Thursday night, becoming the first team in the playoffs, leaving Indiana with a 111-94 victory to score less than 100 points.

The Knicks’ question is now whether this can be copied – Game 5 reveals a blueprint they can use even in three games.

"We haven't scored in this series, and it's more of a point we don't stop them from scoring," Karl-Anthony Towns said after the game. "I think it's harder tonight to raise the pressure and make sure we make them a harder look and get those shots they're happy with the last game. It's a testament to our team to answer the phone."

From the prompt, New York harasses Indiana starters and flies around the court. New York hit the Pacers' starter with 13 shots, hitting 33.3%. Forward Pascal Siakam is the only starter to score double digits, and he recorded only 15 points. The entire top five in Indiana scored 37 points together; its bench fell 57.

Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton scored a historic 32 points, 15 assistants, 12 triple-doubles, 2 points and 6 assists in Game 4, shooting 2 from 7 shots. In fact, Aaron Nesmith (eight attempts), Andrew Nembhard (eight), Obi Toppin (10), and Benedict Mathurin (10) all tried more shots than Haliburton.

Another player known for his defense also stepped up when wing guards Mikal Bridges and Og Anunoby led the defensive charges (especially in Haliburton). Throughout the series, point guard Jalen Brunson has been a target for Indiana, who regularly swears to expand his defensive efforts after Game 5.

"We have increased the intensity a little bit," Brunson told reporters after the game. "We are more focused on details as a team. Small things are going a long way."

When Indiana tries to get Halliburton to open in space, it’s hard to show greater effort, blocking the lane he usually uses to drive. Small things like sprinting on transition defense to take Indiana’s exit passes and throwing opportunities.

"They are more aggressive from the jump than we do," Siakam said. "They bring us the fight and I just think we bring enough.

“It’s all about will and energy.”

The Pacers will adjust their operations and make adjustments ahead of Game 6 in Indianapolis on Saturday. For example, coach Rick Carlisle said, “I need to do more to help.” Haliburton became easier to shoot.

But this is the best version of the Knicks. When their defensive efforts are like Thursday, it feeds other aspects of their game.

They were able to make mistakes and increase their own transitional production, resulting in a series of points in the paint – New York bullies Indiana’s area 60-34. The effort is also reflected in the glass, and New York has the advantage of +9. This then furthered as a second chance point, with the Knicks outperforming the Pacers by 13-7.

“We will have to get better if we expect our season to continue,” Towns said.