Madison Square Garden — Jalen Brunson doesn’t step onto the court with the sole intention of consistently scoring 40 points per game in the postseason, a feat not seen since Michael Jordan. For him, winning is the ultimate goal, making a crucial defensive play as valuable as sinking a basket.
“I believe in the power of the little things,” Brunson emphasized. “Sure, hitting the 40-point mark is nice, but it’s those small details that contribute to our victories. I’m grateful for the teammates I have.”
And the Knickerbockers couldn’t be happier with his presence.
In a stellar performance, Brunson netted 43 points, marking his fourth consecutive game with 40 points or more in the postseason, a feat achieved only by NBA legends like Jerry West, Michael Jordan, and Bernard King. Donte DiVincenzo’s timely 3-pointer, coupled with his 25-point contribution, secured a hard-fought 121-117 victory for the Knicks against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night.
With 21 points in the crucial fourth quarter frame, Brunson orchestrated a comeback for the Knicks, erasing a nine-point deficit early in the period. His remarkable achievement placed him among basketball elites, echoing the likes of Jerry West and Michael Jordan, who etched their names in NBA history with similar streaks.
Coach Tom Thibodeau commended the team’s resilience, highlighting their commitment to each other and their relentless fight on the court, despite facing roster limitations. Josh Hart also showcased his game with a playoff career-high 24 points, along with 13 boards and eight assists.
The Knicks, seeded second, will host Game 2 on Wednesday, aiming to build on their momentum against the Pacers, who put up a strong fight led by Myles Turner’s 23 points.
While the Pacers demonstrated depth with a notable contribution from their bench, the Knicks relied heavily on their core players, prioritizing Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo. The trio logged extensive minutes, underscoring their importance to the team’s success.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Knicks, securing their first lead in a series beyond the first round since 2000. Their renewed rivalry with the Pacers promises an exciting playoff showdown reminiscent of their fierce encounters in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite the Pacers’ strong start and resilient bench, the Knicks’ determination and clutch performances ultimately secured the win, setting the stage for a thrilling series ahead.
