In a high-stakes Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, the Indiana Pacers showcased their dominance, clinching a 130–109 victory over the New York Knicks.
The win propels the Pacers into the Eastern Conference finals, leaving the Knicks to reflect on their season marred by injuries.
Haliburton Leads Pacers’ Offensive Surge
Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the driving force behind the Pacers’ offense, tallying 26 points and six assists.
His aggressive play, notably absent in earlier games of the series, propelled Indiana to victory. The All-Star point guard’s impressive shooting performance, including six 3-pointers, proved pivotal in securing the win.
Injuries Plague Knicks’ Efforts
Despite a valiant effort from Jalen Brunson, who contributed 17 points and nine assists, the Knicks faced setbacks with key players succumbing to injuries.
Brunson himself fractured his hand in the third quarter while attempting to defend Haliburton, further dampening the Knicks’ chances. Donte DiVincenzo emerged as the team’s primary scoring threat, notching 39 points, while Alec Burks provided a surprising boost off the bench with 26 points.
Anunoby and Hart Struggle with Injuries
"They have been nothing but amazing… I can't really put into words of what they mean to me…they deserve much more than what we were able to do."
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 19, 2024
Jalen Brunson on New York's fans 🤝 pic.twitter.com/2UFySItXSP
OG Anunoby and Josh Hart’s return to the starting lineup offered a glimmer of hope for the Knicks, but their performances were hampered by lingering injuries. Anunoby, nursing a strained hamstring, struggled to make an impact and was limited to just five minutes of play.
Meanwhile, Hart, dealing with an abdominal strain, failed to provide his usual defensive energy, fouling out late in the game.
Pacers’ Blazing Start Sets Tone
Indiana wasted no time asserting their dominance, shooting an impressive 76% from the field in the first quarter, including a scorching 78% from beyond the arc. Haliburton’s hot hand, coupled with Pascal Siakam’s early scoring burst, propelled the Pacers to a commanding 39–27 lead after the first quarter.
Despite the Knicks’ efforts to mount a comeback in the third quarter, Indiana consistently thwarted their rally attempts, ultimately securing the victory.
Looking Ahead to the Eastern Conference Finals
With their decisive Game 7 victory, the Pacers advance to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. The matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams vying for a spot in the NBA Finals.
Game 1 is set to tip off in Boston on Tuesday night, and basketball fans can expect an intense battle between these two formidable contenders.
