In the opening game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers engaged in a fierce battle, but Jalen Brunson was able to continue his incredible run of play, which allowed the Knicks to win 121-117.
In front of an enthralled Madison Square Garden crowd, Brunson scored 21 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter and hit Donte DiVincenzo for the game-winning three-pointer with 39.4 seconds remaining to lead New York past Indiana. Having scored at least forty points in four consecutive playoff games, he is currently the first player to do so since Michael Jordan.
DiVincenzo finished with 25 points while Josh Hart packed the stat sheet with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and a block in addition to Brunson’s outstanding performance. Throughout the evening, Hart produced hustling plays that allowed the Knicks to stay in the game. In the fourth quarter, the “Villanova 3” scored 39 points between them.
The Knicks and Pacers both displayed amazing offensive exhibitions. While Indiana made 52.3 percent of its field goals, New York only managed 53.7 percent.
Six Pacers players scored in double figures, with Myles Turner leading the way with 23 points. Tyrese Haliburton, an All-Star point guard, had a dismal day, netting only six points and dishing out eight assists.
The performances of Brunson and Hart, who led the Knicks to a Game 1 victory on Monday, won praise from fans on social media:
The Pacers bench outscored the Knicks 46-3, putting a lot of pressure on their starters. But during his current hot streak, Brunson has shown that he is unstoppable, and colleagues Hart and DiVincenzo have done the same.
On Wednesday, New York and Indiana will resume play in Game 2.