Despite an eye injury early in the game, Jalen Brunson scored 40 points, leading the New York Knicks to a 109-105 win over the Indiana Pacers during Thursday’s NBA action.
Brunson’s performance on the night he received his first All-Star selection was emotional. Overcome with emotion and amid MVP chants from the Madison Square Garden crowd, Brunson found it difficult to express his feelings post-game, highlighting the night’s significance and dedication to reaching such moments.
“It was really cool, the whole experience, the night, how we won, obviously what happened before the game,” Brunson said later. “You always work for certain moments, but you never know how to react once they happen, so it was special.”
Brunson’s pivotal play came with just 1:46 left on the clock, where, despite his swollen left eye, he managed to score the decisive basket, demonstrating his unwavering competitiveness. This contributed to the Knicks’ ninth consecutive win, which saw them return from a 15-point deficit. Donte DiVincenzo and Precious Achiuwa added crucial baskets down the stretch, securing the victory.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Knicks, without Julius Randle and OG Anunoby due to injuries, showcased resilience, especially in rebounding, where they dominated the Pacers 60-44 and scored 25 second-chance points.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged his team’s shortcomings in rebounding as a key factor in their loss.
“We got bullied on the glass, and it’s disappointing because we’re a very capable rebounding team, and this is the main thing that we talked about with this game,” Carlisle said. “So we failed on the boards, for sure, and it’s obviously the difference in the game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
This victory capped off a successful January for the Knicks, despite the absence of key players like Randle, Anunoby, and Quentin Grimes due to injuries.
The Pacers, missing Bennedict Mathurin due to a sprained toe, couldn’t maintain their early lead, allowing the Knicks to rally back in the fourth quarter with improved three-point shooting and a strong defensive effort.
The Knicks celebrated Brunson and Randle’s All-Star selections, adding a festive atmosphere to Madison Square Garden that was momentarily dampened by the Pacers’ strong start.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
However, the Knicks’ comeback and Brunson’s standout performance underscored the team’s depth and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers next. The Pacers look to bounce back against the Sacramento Kings, hoping to address their rebounding issues and regain their winning form.
