Knicks Triumph Over Pacers Despite Brunson's Challenges
The New York Knicks managed to secure a victory against the Indiana Pacers, even without their star, Jalen Brunson, for much of the game.
Determined to identify and address any shortcomings before the playoffs, the Knicks may have uncovered one area of improvement in their Tuesday night clash with the Indiana Pacers. “We’ll have to tell Jalen Brunson to sit out tomorrow!” Josh Hart jokingly remarked during a postgame chat with Kenny Albert and Walt “Clyde” Frazier of MSG Network, as substitute Cameron Payne joined the conversation. “Make sure he sits out tomorrow, Cam!”
The Knicks’ triumph, a 128-115 win in Indianapolis on Tuesday, was particularly significant. It came at the end of a challenging 72-hour period for the team: even though they were third in the Eastern Conference, New York had become the subject of negative discussions after a disappointing performance against the defending champion Boston Celtics on Saturday.
While conquering the Pacers might not shift championship expectations (despite Indiana being right behind New York in the Eastern standings), the victory was a promising development. After an opening half featuring 14 lead changes, the Knicks (35-18) dominated the second half almost completely, even as Brunson faced early foul issues.
Brunson, whose invaluable contributions are well-recognized, was hampered by foul troubles, picking up three fouls before halftime and two more by the end of the third quarter. Consequently, his playing time was limited to 22 minutes and 44 seconds, his lowest of the season, subjecting him to more friendly teasing from Hart.
“JB finally decides to try playing defense and ends up fouling all the time,” Hart joked, according to Steve Popper of Newsday.
Despite these hurdles, the Knicks were buoyed by a collective effort that allowed them to exact revenge against the team that ended their last playoff bid. Hart certainly had reason to revel in some lighthearted banter after delivering one of his standout performances of the season, scoring a personal season-high of 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.