Knicks’ Powerhouse Performance Humiliates Pacers: A 123-98 Triumph

In his first game sporting the New York Knicks’ colors on home territory, Karl-Anthony Towns impressed with a 21-point, 15-rebound performance. This, coupled with Jalen Brunson’s stellar 26-point contribution, led the Knicks to a commanding 123-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Kickstart to Redemption

The Knicks, who suffered a crushing 132-109 defeat to Boston in Tuesday’s NBA season opener, staged a vigorous comeback. Mikal Bridges pitched in with 21 points, while Josh Hart added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds to the winning tally.

Haliburton’s Dismal Night

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s All-Star point guard, failed to mark the score sheet and missed all seven of his attempts from beyond the arc. This brings his season’s 3-point shooting record to a concerning 1 for 16. Off the bench, Bennedict Mathurin managed to score 20 points for the Pacers.

From Record-Setting to Struggling Pacers

Last season, the Pacers boasted one of the most potent offenses in NBA history. They even set an NBA playoff record by shooting 67.1% from the field in their previous visit to Madison Square Garden, securing a Game 7 victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, Friday’s performance proved to be a stark contrast to their usual high-scoring form.

Knicks’ Well-Oiled Machine

This victory showcased what the Knicks had envisioned after acquiring Towns and Bridges. Towns’ reliable 3-point shooting opened up the floor for the guards, while Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Hart’s tenacious perimeter defense left the Pacers reeling.

Turning Point of the Game

The Knicks were leading by a single point with 7:29 left in the first half when Brunson returned to the court alongside four Pacers starters. This shift led to a scoring spree for New York, outscoring Indiana 25-10, courtesy of Brunson’s six points and four assists. This propelled the Knicks to a 61-45 lead at halftime.

Defensive Masterclass

After tying an NBA record of allowing 29 3-pointers in their opener against Boston, the Knicks came back strong defensively. They held the Pacers to a meager 3 for 30 (10%) from behind the arc.

Upcoming Encounters

The Pacers will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday in their home opener, while the Knicks will entertain the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.