With their season hanging in the balance, the New York Knicks delivered a must-win performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 at Madison Square Garden. The victory trimmed the Pacers’ series lead to 3-2 and sends the matchup back to Indiana for a pivotal Game 6. But beyond the box score, it was a postgame moment between Jalen Brunson and J.R. Smith that captured the heart of New York’s championship hopes.

In the video shared by @TheStrickland on X (formerly Twitter), Smith is seen rubbing his two NBA championship rings on Brunson’s shoulder claiming the following.

“You got ring fever now”

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks’ Mikal Bridges grabs attention with first IG post since ECF lossRichard Pereira ·
Featured image Tom Thibodeau
Knicks rumors: Dan Patrick drops $30 million Tom Thibodeau-Leon Rose conspiracy theoryDylan Fine ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant looks on from the sidelines during the game between the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks at Footprint Center.
Knicks made Kevin Durant trade offer to Suns at deadlineLorenzo J Reyna ·
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau talks to center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Josh Hart (3) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during a time out during the third quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
Zach Lowe puts Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau critics on blast with truth bombMalik Brown ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon ‘won’t dismiss’ Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksJason Patt ·
Mavericks Jason Kidd on left. New York Knicks 2025 logo on right. Question marks all over image.
How Mavericks, Knicks could discuss Jason Kidd trade after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·

The gesture wasn’t just playful—it was symbolic. Smith, a former Knicks guard and champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016) and Los Angeles Lakers (2020), offered a moment of motivation to Brunson, who has been nothing short of phenomenal this postseason. His 32-point performance in Game 5 marked yet another milestone in what’s shaping up to be an incredible run by the former Villanova guard.

Moments like that reflect the growing confidence around this team and its leader. Brunson isn’t just producing big numbers—he’s commanding big respect. The recognition from a champion like Smith only underscores how vital Brunson has become to the Knicks' title hopes.

Brunson now leads a Knicks team that continues to rally against adversity. Karl-Anthony Towns fought through injury to post 24 points and 13 rebounds, Josh Hart added a double-double, and New York held Indiana to their lowest scoring output of the NBA Playoffs. The team fed off the energy inside MSG—and perhaps, a little off that “ring fever” too. With Game 6 on the horizon, Brunson’s encounter with Smith adds another layer to the Knicks’ narrative. It’s a reminder that legacies are built in moments like these. One more win, and New York forces Game 7 in the Garden.