The Indiana Pacers torched the New York Knicks in the decisive Game 7 of their playoff series, setting an NBA playoff record with a blistering 67.1% shooting performance from the field. The Pacers' offensive explosion led to a commanding 123-99 victory, sending the Knicks packing and advancing to the second round.
The Indiana Pacers put on a shooting clinic in Game 7 against the New York Knicks, rewriting the NBA playoff record books with their scorching-hot accuracy. The Pacers connected on an astonishing 67.1% of their shots from the field, shattering the previous record of 64.9% set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000.
Led by star forward Paul George, the Pacers were relentless in their offensive onslaught. George was unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting. He was joined by a cast of reliable scorers, including Victor Oladipo, Thaddeus Young, and Domantas Sabonis.
Oladipo chipped in with 24 points, including six three-pointers, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness from beyond the arc. Young added 17 points and Sabonis contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds, providing a formidable inside presence for the Pacers.
The Knicks struggled to keep pace with the Pacers' offensive firepower. Despite Kristaps Porzingis' 22-point effort, the Knicks were overwhelmed by the Pacers' superior shooting and ball movement.
The Pacers' dominance was evident from the opening tip. They raced out to an early lead and never looked back. They shot a blistering 60% from the field in the first half, building a comfortable margin.
The Knicks made a brief run in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. However, the Pacers responded with a flurry of three-pointers to restore their double-digit lead.
As the game wore on, the Pacers' confidence grew and the Knicks' desperation became apparent. The Pacers continued to knock down shots with ease, while the Knicks struggled to find an answer defensively.
The Pacers' record-breaking shooting performance was a testament to their preparation, focus, and execution. They showcased their offensive prowess, making the Knicks look helpless at times.
The victory sends the Pacers to the second round, where they will face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers will need to maintain their shooting touch and continue to play with the same intensity if they want to upset the defending champions.
