Jalen Brunson's return in the second half ignited the Knicks to a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers, giving them a 2-0 advantage in their NBA playoff series.
In a battle of attrition, the New York Knicks overcame the loss of key players to claim a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Despite Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' MVP candidate, sitting out the entire second quarter due to injury, New York rallied back from a 10-point halftime deficit to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Brunson returned to the court in the third quarter and immediately sparked the Knicks' offense, leading the team with 29 points on 11-of-18 shooting. He also dished out five assists and recorded three steals.
"I'm just happy I was able to do it, to be honest with you. We found a way," Brunson said after the game.
While Brunson's return provided a much-needed boost, the Knicks were dealt another injury blow when OG Anunoby limped off the court with a sore left hamstring. Anunoby had been a key contributor in Game 2, scoring 28 points.
However, the Knicks showed their resilience, with Donte DiVincenzo stepping up with 28 points and Isaiah Hartenstein adding 12 rebounds and 14 points. Josh Hart also chipped in with 15 rebounds and 19 points.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 34 points, including seven three-pointers. Andrew Nembhard added 15 points, while Obi Toppin, who played for the Knicks last season, had 20 points off the bench.
The series now shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday, where the Pacers will be looking to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole. The Knicks, meanwhile, will hope to continue their momentum and take a commanding 3-0 lead.
Despite the injuries, the Knicks have shown that they have the depth and determination to overcome adversity. With Brunson leading the way, the Knicks are poised to make a deep playoff run.
However, the loss of Anunoby is a significant blow, and the Knicks will need to find a way to fill the void he leaves behind. If they can do that, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers, on the other hand, have their backs against the wall. They have shown that they can compete with the Knicks, but they will need to find a way to win at home in order to have any chance of advancing in the series.
