Someone play the Rocky montage music, because Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are limping into Indiana for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals — and not because of injuries. After a “what-just-happened” collapse in Game 2, New York’s Redemption Tour makes a pit stop in Pacers territory.
Game 2 felt like a sequel nobody ordered. Tied through three quarters, then—bam—Pascal Siakam went full 2019 Finals, dropping 39 points in 32 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton even served up some ’90s nostalgia with his shot that force OT. Meanwhile, the Knicks turned into cardboard cutouts. Jalen Brunson tried to rally, pouring in 36 points and dishing 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough to stem the bleeding. Final score: 114–109. Series score: 0–2. Knicks? Still under construction.
Which brings us to the question you came for: is Jalen Brunson playing tonight? Absolutely. Not only will he suit up, he’ll be rearing to go tonight to save the Knicks’ season. Brunson’s fully cleared and he is averaging a jaw-dropping 30.4 points per game in these playoffs. But let’s be real—one man can’t carry this roster alone. If the Knicks want to stop bleeding and start believing, the rest of the squad needs to show up ready to contribute.
Jalen Brunson in Game 2:
36 PTS
11 AST
5 3P
Only MJ and LeBron have more 35p/10a playoff games in the Eastern Conference. pic.twitter.com/WjGHzhQ6ni
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2025
And the Knicks are… healthy. Like, actually healthy. But the Pacers? They’re 5–1 at home this postseason and riding the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd like it’s Reggie Miller back in the ’90s. If New York wants to avoid falling into an 0–3 grave, Brunson’s heroics won’t be enough—someone else has to clock in.
Now, Thibs might have a few tricks up his sleeve. But before we get into all that, let’s break down what the current Knicks depth chart looks like.
New York Knicks Depth Chart for Game 3 vs Pacers
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Jalen Brunson
Miles McBride
Cameron Payne
SG
Mikal Bridges
Cameron Payne
Landry Shamet
SF
Josh Hart
Landry Shamet
Mikal Bridges
PF
OG Anunoby
Josh Hart
Precious Achiuwa
C
Karl-Anthony Towns
Mitchell Robinson
Precious Achiuwa
Now, Tom Thibodeau might be mixing up the lineup, and not just for show. Mitchell Robinson could be promoted to the starting five, while Josh Hart heads to the bench. It’s not a demotion—it’s a shift in priorities. Indiana has been dominating the paint and crashing the glass, and Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection offer an immediate fix. Thibs is betting that plugging in Robinson can help slow down Indiana’s second-chance points and force tougher shots inside.
The Knicks’ starting five has been torched all postseason, posting a brutal net rating of -8.0 in the playoffs. Enter Robinson, who in just 50 minutes over two games grabbed 17 rebounds (eight offensive) and altered numerous shots at the rim. He brings the kind of defensive presence New York’s been lacking.
Meanwhile, Hart’s move to the bench is a calculated one. His versatility, energy, and defense can anchor a second unit that’s struggled to hold leads. And statistically, lineups featuring Robinson with the starters have fared significantly better, with net ratings over +3.4 compared to the current group’s negatives.
Thibs isn’t panicking—he’s adapting. Robinson shores up the interior. While Josh Hart fortifies the bench. With Game 3 looming, this isn’t just a tweak—it’s a statement.
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