The New York Knicks are currently teetering on the brink of elimination in the NBA playoffs.

Critical Playoff Situation for the Knicks

Trailing the Indiana Pacers 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, New York faces an uphill battle to keep their postseason hopes alive. The team suffered a defeat in Game 4 on their home court, and now must win Game 5 to extend their season. The iconic Madison Square Garden is expected to be electrified as fans rally behind their team for this decisive clash.

Celebrity Support and Playoff Atmosphere

Among the passionate spectators expected at Game 5 is renowned actor and comedian Ben Stiller. Known for his unwavering support of the Knicks, Stiller has attended numerous playoff games and is anticipated to be present once again. His presence underscores the cultural significance of basketball in New York City.

Notable Incidents and Rivalry Tensions

During Game 4, former NFL punter and sports analyst Pat McAfee stirred the crowd with a spirited shoutout to the visiting Indiana fans, highlighting the presence of notable figures like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and actor Timothée Chalamet. McAfee’s remarks, which included a call to send the visiting team back to Indiana, added fuel to the intense rivalry atmosphere.

Pat McAfee energizes the crowd: “Spike Lee is here. Ben Stiller is here. Timothée Chalamet is here. Let’s send these guys back to New York!”

– Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA), May 28, 2025

Following his comments, Stiller challenged McAfee on X, inviting him to attend Game 5 in New York with a humorous message: “Come to game 5, Pat!! 😂”

Stiller also responded to McAfee’s remarks about Game 4, jokingly asserting that such antics wouldn’t happen in New York, saying, “Appreciate that. Just wouldn’t happen in NY.”

The Challenge of Overcoming a 3-1 Deficit

Historically, teams that fall behind 3-1 in a playoff series face long odds of advancing. Since the NBA adopted the best-of-seven format, only about 4.4% of teams (13 out of 296) have managed to rally back from such a deficit. The Knicks’ record in these situations is particularly bleak-they are 0-15 all-time when facing a 3-1 series deficit, including three previous losses to the Pacers, one to the Boston Celtics in the conference finals, and four in the NBA Finals.

Conversely, the Indiana Pacers have never surrendered a 3-1 lead in the playoffs, adding an extra layer of pressure on the Knicks’ quest for survival. This historic trend underscores the difficulty of their task, but also the potential for a dramatic turnaround if they can defy the odds.

Additional NBA Developments and Rumors

In other league news, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move to acquire Luka Doncic, which could reshape the landscape of the Western Conference. Meanwhile, star forward Kevin Durant has recently made comments that have sparked speculation about possible team changes, fueling ongoing trade rumors.

For comprehensive coverage of the Knicks’ playoff journey and other NBA stories, visit Newsweek Sports.

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About the Author

Ricardo Sandoval is a Los Angeles-based sports journalist contributing to Newsweek since 2024. His expertise spans various sports topics, with a focus on basketball analysis. Ricardo also writes for On SI, covering teams like the Lakers, Bucks, Celtics, Pacers, and Trail Blazers, and is a staff writer for Dodgers Nation. He holds a degree from California State University Northridge and can be contacted via email or on X (@_RicardoSand).

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