NBA Playoffs Day 18 recap: Knicks outlast Pacers despite Anunoby Injury
The New York Knicks overcame an injury setback to OG Anunoby and secured a 130-121 victory against the Indiana Pacers, taking a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Jalen Brunson, despite battling a right foot ailment, showcased resilience by delivering 24 of his 29 points in the second half.
Brunson’s early exit from the game due to injury in the first quarter raised concerns, but his return after halftime ignited excitement among the Madison Square Garden faithful.
Although Brunson fell short of becoming the second player in NBA history to score forty or more points in five consecutive playoff games, his stellar performance was instrumental in driving the Knicks closer to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.
Anunoby, who left the game in the third quarter with a left hamstring strain, demonstrated his prowess with a career-high 28 points before the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3.
However, the Knicks faced adversity with key players Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic already sidelined due to season-ending injuries.
Despite the challenges, the Knicks displayed remarkable shooting accuracy, converting nearly half of their 3-point attempts (14 of 30). Donte DiVincenzo led the charge with 28 points and six 3-pointers, supported by Josh Hart’s 19 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists, as well as Isaiah Hartenstein’s 14 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
On the Pacers’ side, Tyrese Haliburton bounced back from a lackluster performance in the first game with an impressive showing of 34 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. However, the team’s struggles from the free-throw line, shooting only 10 for 17, hindered their chances of a comeback.
