Dominant Performance
In a pivotal Game 2 matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks showcased their resilience, overcoming injuries to key players to secure a 130-121 victory. Despite the absence of Jalen Brunson due to injury and OG Anunoby’s thigh injury, the Knicks’ trio of Brunson, Donte Divincenzo, and Josh Hart combined for an impressive 76 points, propelling their team to a 2-0 series lead.
Strong Start
Building on Brunson’s 43-point performance in the series opener, the Knicks seized control early in Game 2. Anunoby’s aggressive drives to the basket, coupled with outside shooting from Divincenzo and Brunson, helped the Knicks establish a double-digit lead at 24-13. However, a resilient Pacers squad, led by Tyrese Haliburton, fought back to tie the game at 36-36 by the end of the first quarter.
Injury Concerns
Brunson, who experienced discomfort in his legs during the first quarter, did not return to the game until the third quarter. Seizing the opportunity, the Pacers outscored the Knicks 37-27 in the second quarter, capitalizing on Brunson’s absence to take a commanding lead. Despite Anunoby’s 22 points and Hart’s 10 points in the first half, the Knicks trailed the Pacers at halftime.
Resurgence and Setback
Brunson’s return in the third quarter stabilized the Knicks, who quickly mounted a 21-6 run to regain the lead. However, the momentum shifted once again when Anunoby suffered a thigh injury while driving to the basket, forcing him to exit the game and leaving the Knicks shorthanded.
Closing Strong
Entering the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead, the Knicks faced a resilient Pacers team determined to narrow the gap. Despite the Pacers’ efforts to stage a comeback, the Knicks’ trio of Brunson, Divincenzo, and Hart maintained their composure, delivering crucial baskets to secure the victory by a margin of nine points.
Balanced Scoring and Defensive Effort
The Knicks’ starting lineup all scored in double figures, with Brunson leading the way with 29 points in just three quarters of play. Hart contributed 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Divincenzo added 28 points with his sharpshooting from beyond the arc. Despite Anunoby’s early exit, Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Pacers struggled with their free-throw shooting, converting only 10 of 17 attempts, and were outrebounded by their opponents by 10 boards. Despite a strong performance from Haliburton, who scored a team-high 34 points, and contributions from reserves such as Tyrese Thompson with 20 points and Andrew Nembhard with 15 points, the Pacers fell short in their efforts to level the series. (Bouncingball8)