In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers engaged in a fierce battle, but Jalen Brunson continued his winning streak and helped the Knicks win 121-117.
Brunson scored 21 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter, hitting a 3-pointer off Donte DiVincenzo with 39.4 seconds left to lift New York past Indiana in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Madison Square Garden. He scored at least 40 points in four consecutive playoff games, becoming the first player to accomplish this feat since Michael Jordan.
In addition to Brunson’s strong play, DiVincenzo finished the game with 25 points, and Josh Hart filled out the stat sheet with 24 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and one block. Hart played hard all night and kept the Knicks in the game. The “Villanova 3” scored 33 of New York’s 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Both the Knicks and the Pacers had great offensive performances. New York shot 53.7% from the field, while Indiana shot 52.3% from the field.
Six Pacers players scored in double figures, led by Myles Turner with 23 points. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton had a memorable game, finishing with just 6 points and 8 assists.
Fans on social media were impressed with the performance of Brunson and Hart in leading the Knicks to a Game 1 win on Monday:
The Knicks lost their starters as the Pacers bench outplayed them. It is unique at 46:3 with a heavy burden on the frame. However, Brunson has proven unstoppable on his current winning streak, with teammates like Hart and DiVincenzo following in his footsteps.
New York and Indiana return for Game 2 on Wednesday.