New York Knicks play against Indiana Pacers during the Game 5 of NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series in New York, May 17, 2013. [Photo/Alan He]

On their heels and facing elimination, the New York Knicks rallied against the Indiana Pacers and brought a physicality that was severely lacking in their two game slide against Indiana.

New York Knicks play against Indiana Pacers during the Game 5 of NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series in New York, May 17, 2013. [Photo/Alan He][Photo/Alan He]

With Carmelo Anthony sinking his first two shots against the Pacers, the Knicks opened up the game with a 7 – 0 lead.

"We just came together as a team, and at the end of the day, the fifteen guys that's in the locker room, that's what we have. We all believe. We all have confidence."

Carmelo Anthony answers questions after the Game 5 of NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series in New York, May 17, 2013. [Photo/Alan He][Photo/Alan He]

Anthony, who didn't make a basket in the fourth quarter of either game in Indiana, made a jumper midway through the fourth quarter after Indiana closed within four points. He followed with two free throws, Raymond Felton made a layup, and the Knicks were never in jeopardy again.

Raymond Felton reiterated after the game the attitude that resonated in the locker room for the Knicks was "We believe. We believe in ourselves, we believe in each other."

The Knicks played physical on defense this time around forcing the Pacers offense to be out of sync and drawing big fouls from Paul George and Roy Hibbert. The Knicks followed up the physical play with a very accurate night on free throws with an 82.4% accuracy, besting the Pacers percentage of 57.6%.

New York Knicks' coach Mike Woodson answers questions after the Game 5 of NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series in New York, May 17, 2013. [Photo/Alan He][Photo/Alan He]

After much anticipation by fans for Knicks coach Mike Woodson to play reserve Chris Copeland, Woodson finally unleashed Copeland and he delivered - making big shots throughout against the Pacers including 3 for 4 on three pointers.

"It's a blessing and I'm extremely excited I can have some kind of impact on the game," Copeland said after the game.

Reserves J.R. Smith and Chris Copeland each had 13 points for the Knicks, who trail 3-2 and will need a victory Saturday in Indiana to force a seventh game back here Monday. They are trying to become the ninth NBA team to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series.

Paul George had 23 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Pacers. They played without point guard George Hill because of a concussion and committed 19 turnovers.

The winner will face defending NBA champion Miami in a series that will start Wednesday.