Jalen Brunson made a dramatic return from a right foot injury to help carry the New York Knicks to a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. He scored 29 points, with 24 of those coming in the second half, as the Knicks took a 2-0 lead in the series. This performance came on the anniversary of Willis Reed’s legendary appearance in the 1970 NBA Finals, with Brunson receiving a warm reception from the Madison Square Garden crowd when he returned to the game after missing the second quarter.
OG Anunoby also had a standout game for the Knicks, scoring a career playoff-high 28 points before leaving with a left hamstring injury in the third quarter. Despite injuries to key players, the Knicks received strong contributions from Brunson’s Villanova teammates Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, who combined for 47 points. On the Pacers side, Tyrese Haliburton bounced back from a poor Game 1 with 34 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.
The game took an interesting turn when Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was ejected after receiving two technical fouls. Former Knicks forward Obi Toppin added 20 points for the Pacers, who struggled with their free throw shooting. The series now moves to Indiana for Game 3 and Game 4, with the Knicks holding a 2-0 lead and looking to advance to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.
Despite being sidelined for part of the game, Brunson played a crucial role in leading the Knicks to victory, contributing 14 points in the fourth quarter. The crowd at Madison Square Garden showed their support for the team, especially during a crucial 14-0 run that helped the Knicks take the lead. The game also featured a special tribute to Willis Reed, a key moment in Knicks history, during the first quarter.
Overall, the Knicks are in a strong position with a 2-0 lead in the series, thanks in large part to Jalen Brunson’s impressive performance. The team will now head to Indiana for the next games, aiming to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. Despite challenges with injuries and a strong showing from the Pacers, the Knicks have shown resilience and determination as they push forward in the playoffs.
