Knicks Secure Second Win in NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Against Pacers
In the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, the New York Knicks continued their battle against the Indiana Pacers at home. Despite an injury to their key player, Jalen Brunson, the Knicks managed to defeat the Pacers 130-121, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Injury Hinders Brunson, Pacers Seize Early Advantage
In this game, Jalen Brunson played limited minutes in the first half due to a foot injury. The Pacers took advantage of this situation, scoring 73 points in the first two quarters and establishing a 10-point lead. Tyrese Haliburton, who had a subpar performance in the previous game, scored 22 points in the first half, including 5 three-pointers. Obi Toppin also contributed 13 points for the Pacers.
Anunoby Leads Knicks’ Offensive Charge in First Half
OG Anunoby led the Knicks’ offense in the first half, scoring 22 points. However, his teammates had limited contributions, with Donte DiVincenzo being the primary support with crucial scoring.
Knicks Stage Comeback in Second Half
In the second half, despite maintaining their lead, the Pacers faced relentless pressure from DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, with Brunson joining the fray and adding 10 points in the quarter. The Knicks staged a 16-6 run in the third quarter to tie the game.
Knicks Dominate Crucial Moments in Fourth Quarter
The game remained tightly contested until the middle of the fourth quarter, with only a one-point difference. In the decisive moments, the Knicks, led by Hart’s three-point shooting, pulled ahead. Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Hart, all graduates of Villanova University, took control of the game for the Knicks. Despite Pascal Siakam’s efforts for the Pacers, they couldn’t withstand the Knicks’ onslaught, ultimately losing by 9 points.
Brunson’s Resilience and Knicks’ Collective Effort Seal Victory
Despite playing with an injury, Brunson, who had scored over 40 points in the previous four playoff games, led the Knicks with 29 points, 24 of which came in the second half, securing the victory for his team. Additionally, DiVincenzo and Anunoby contributed 28 points each, while Hart added 19 points and 15 rebounds.
Knicks’ Superior Stats and Next Game Preview
The Knicks outperformed the Pacers in rebounds, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting. Haliburton’s 34 points were the highest in the game, but the Pacers lacked support compared to the Knicks. With the Knicks claiming two consecutive wins, both teams will face off again in the third game of the series on May 11th, in the morning according to Philippine time.(Superace88)
| Statistic | Knicks | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Attempts | 49/86 | 48/93 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 57.0% | 51.6% |
| Three-Point Shots | 14/30 | 15/34 |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage | 46.7% | 44.1% |
| Free Throws | 18/22 | 10/17 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 81.8% | 58.8% |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 34 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 14 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 32 | 20 |
| Assists | 28 | 33 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Points in the Paint | 62 | 60 |
| Personal Fouls | 14 | 17 |