"Didn't get reaction at all" - Knicks insider hilariously reports ‘epic fart’ cut the tension in locker room before crucial Game 5
The New York Knicks responded with a 121-91 statement win in Game 5 of their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. The New Yorkers took a commanding 3-2 series lead behind Jalen Brunson's 44 points.
Insider Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that the Knicks found a unique way to cut the tension before the game and come together before demolishing the Pacers: with a fart.
"It was (epic) ... for the length and for volume, is exactly why," Katz said on "The Dan LeBatard Show." "It actually didn't get a reaction audibly at all. It got pure silence and a look over to that one player. And that one player looked around as if he was being inconspicuous and said with a completely straight face, 'Something's up with the pipes in here.'
"That got the huge laugh."
This must have been a surprising, yet hilarious moment for Knicks players. After losing two consecutive games in Indiana, they knew Game 5 was crucial for their aspirations.
The situation led to a 30-point win by the Knicks, who are on the verge of eliminating the surprising Pacers and advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, where the Boston Celtics await.
Knicks return to Indiana to try to eliminate the Pacers
After the win at Madison Square Garden to take the series lead, New York is heading back to Indiana for Game 6 on Friday. Tom Thibodeau's team didn't look good at all during the first two duels in Indy and it'll need to bring its best game to defeat the Pacers again.
Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton was a shell of himself in Game 5, barely scoring 13 points, grabbing two rebounds and dishing five assists. For his team to make it past this round, he'll need to step up.
New York's Jalen Brunson is playing at a high level, and Haliburton needs to keep up to at least extend the series one more game.
Analyst Kevin O'Connor called Haliburton out for his performance in Game 5, telling him the 2024 NBA offseason must be crucial for the rest of his NBA career.
The Pacers host the Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, hoping to live another day in the series.