The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 130-121 in Madison Square Garden to remain undefeated at home during the series.
The Knicks were again led by emerging star guard Jalen Brunson, who finished the game with 29 points. Brunson's performance was even more impressive, considering he missed the entire second quarter after entering the locker room with an apparent foot injury. When Brunson sat during the second quarter, the Pacers outscored the Knicks 37-27 in the second quarter, taking a double-digit lead over the No. 2-seeded Knicks.
Jalen Brunson left the game in the first quarter after an apparent foot injury.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 9, 2024
He's now BACK to start the second half 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Tluvtz2px3
Upon Brunson's return, the Knicks rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the Pacers 26-18 to take an eight-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Twenty-four of Brunson's 29 points came in the second half, which gave New York the spark they needed to capture the game and go up 2-0 in the series.
REALLY LIKE THAT 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4Rjs3RepJP
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 9, 2024
However, it was not just Brunson who put on a star performance. The entire Knicks' starting five scored 14+ points, including three starters scoring 28+ points. Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby both finished with 28 points, combining for ten made three-point baskets. Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein finished with double-doubles, Hart with 19 points and 15 rebounds, and Hartenstein with points and 12 rebounds.
Protect home court 🔒
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 9, 2024
JB 29 PTS | 5 AST | 3 STL
Donte 28 PTS | 6 REB
OG 28 PTS | 4 REB
Josh 19 PTS | 15 REB | 7 AST
Hartenstein 14 PTS | 12 REB | 8 AST pic.twitter.com/5mv8bRkfn7
Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 34 points for the Pacers, dished out nine assists, and grabbed six rebounds, including shooting 7-11 from three-point range. Obi Toppin finished with a team second-best 20 points off the bench, outsourcing the rest of the Pacer's starting lineup, and shot 70% from the field. The Pacers bench once again outscored the Knicks bench 46-12, however the Knicks starters made up for their lack of depth by scoring 118 of the Knicks 130 points.
The Pacers host Game 3 on Friday, May 10, at 7:00 EST, hoping to recover from their two-game deficit.
