In a thrilling start to their second-round NBA playoff series, the New York Knicks, led by the stellar performance of Jalen Brunson, edged past the Indiana Pacers with a 121–117 win in Game 1. Brunson dazzled the crowd with a game-high 43 points, including a pivotal 21 in the fourth quarter, marking his fourth straight playoff game scoring 40 or more points.
Despite facing a rigorous defensive challenge from Pacers’ guards Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell, Brunson’s offensive onslaught was relentless. The Knicks, who seemed to wane as the game progressed, found a resurgence of energy towards the end, which proved critical. Donte DiVincenzo added 25 points, bolstered by his precision from beyond the arc, while Josh Hart, who never left the court, contributed 24 points along with 13 rebounds and eight assists.
Though the Pacers showcased depth with 46 points from their bench and kept the pace intense, the Knicks’ starters held their ground, spurred by a collective belief in their ability to win as echoed by Coach Tom Thibodeau. Despite Haliburton’s notable season and playmaking skills, which were evident with his eight assists, he managed only six points in a direct contest with Brunson, which was heavily anticipated by fans.
The Pacers did see significant contributions from Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and McConnell, but the night belonged to Brunson and the Knicks. With the series set to continue with Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, the stage is set for another enthralling encounter.
JALEN BRUNSON 🔥
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2024
FOURTH CONSECUTIVE 40+ PT GAME. pic.twitter.com/n92ZDdZ4GN
Knicks were gassed. Pacers went on a run and then Hartensteph #NewYorkForever
— Eric Mintzer (@MintSports) May 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/iTTJNmW3Gp
Hali dime ➡️ Obi slam!@Pacers 72@nyknicks 73
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2024
What a game 1 on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/cWivChIENV
Jalen Brunson has dropped 210 points in his last five games, the most over a 5-game span in the playoffs since Michael Jordan in 1993 🔥 pic.twitter.com/n1EakaDxND
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 7, 2024