The Knicks-Pacers rivalry is one of the fiercest in NBA history, culminating in 1998 when these teams met in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Jalen Brunson will be charged with guarding Mikal Bridges; Bennedict Mathurin will cover Josh Hart; Tyrese Haliburton will defend O.G. Anunoby while Pascal Siakam will keep an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns.

In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of New York Knicks Vs Indiana Pacers.

Here are the current rosters for both teams:

New York Knicks Roster:

Indiana Pacers Roster:

Game 1

After an inauspicious start, the Knicks soon began to find their rhythm. Utilizing their size advantage and getting the ball into their sizeable paint area where they could move faster than Indiana and create space for easy baskets – ultimately giving them a seven-point lead by halftime.

In the third quarter, the Pacers started to gain momentum and regain their lead. They scored several quick points before OG Anunoby hit a three-pointer for them to regain the advantage. Unfortunately for them though, New York responded strongly, going on an 11-4 run before ending with a two-point advantage at halftime.

New York’s offense ran all over Indiana’s defense and scored some easy baskets. Jalen Brunson led by example with 43 points. Additionally, he grabbed some rebounds and six assists while hitting some free throws that helped his team. Jalen played all 48 minutes to be an integral factor in their win.

Game 2

On Monday night at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks made an early statement against Indiana Pacers in Game 2. Both teams traded buckets early, setting the tone for an intense first 15 minutes as each side attempted to establish an advantage before Indiana forced turnovers to keep New York from building any sort of momentum.

Indiana Pacers bench stars T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard helped them to take a commanding lead during the second quarter. Indiana was able to outscore Knicks bench significantly; taking an overwhelming advantage into halftime.

Jalen Brunson returned to the game just seconds into the third quarter, yet was instrumental in New York’s comeback against Indiana. He scored several baskets while his supporting cast kept up a steady pace for New York. Brunson has become such an integral piece for New York this season due to his presence both offensively and defensively; a testament to this being one reason behind their stunning victory against Pacers.

Game 3

Indiana Pacers lead their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against New York Knicks 2-0 and look to move closer to an opening round victory when they visit Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3. Indiana was able to hold off New York in Game 2, thanks to an outstanding third quarter, but this wasn’t enough to wrest victory away from Madison Square Garden.

Indiana got off to an impressive start in the second half, going on a 24-8 run that left them only trailing by six points with just under three minutes left in the period. Tyrese Haliburton began lighting it up from 3-point range en route to hitting seven of his 14 three-pointers for Indiana and helping take control of this game by the fourth.

But the Knicks came roaring back in the fourth period and were able to cut within two points with under a minute remaining. Precious Achiuwa misplaced a pass that Ben Sheppard picked up and converted into a layup; Jalen Brunson then made one himself for 23 points off the bench; Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam each contributed 12 and 11 respectively.

Game 4

New York struggled to match its usual energy from the outset of this game. Apart from Alec Burks who returned to form with 20 points and 10 rebounds, New York appeared lethargic throughout this matchup – not helped by OG Anunoby being out again due to a strained left hamstring as well as Indiana’s physical defense.

Indiana’s speed was too much for New York as they raced ahead, building an early 22-5 lead before ever being able to catch up and fall 23 points behind by halftime.

Indiana outscored New York 25-19 in the third quarter. New York failed to improve on their offense and continued having difficulty keeping pace with Indiana’s quick guards – specifically Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam who did an outstanding job defending Jalen Brunson and making it difficult for New York’s offense.

Game 5

The Knicks started strong in the second quarter and quickly built a double-digit advantage, capitalizing on turnovers to score off of them and get good looks inside while Indiana struggled to adjust defensively without OG Anunoby or Mitchell Robinson in its lineup. Jalen Brunson continued his prolific scoring ways for New York, regularly finding himself within reach of baskets to score.

Indiana may have produced some offensive moments in the third quarter, but New York was too strong. Indiana attempted to catch up through spurts of offense; however, their efforts weren’t enough to narrow the Knicks’ lead and Indiana ultimately fell far short of scoring against them.

With under one minute remaining and 20 points ahead, it seemed the Knicks would easily secure a 3-2 series advantage. But then came Miller Time — with 12 minutes remaining remaining tied at 64 and later winning it all with two free throws from behind the 3-point arc!

Game 6

The New York Knicks are just one game away from becoming the first 8th-seeded team ever in NBA history to upset a 1-seed in the first round, having secured victory over Indiana Pacers 103-83 with Allan Houston’s miraculous basket off front rim, off backboard and in for a 103-83 victory that gave New York a 3-2 series lead.

Knicks victory would give them control of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and set up a possible meeting between themselves and either Cavaliers or 76ers for one of four spots in the Eastern Conference Finals. Knicks’ resilient play has shown them they have what it takes, but Indiana Pacers possess plenty of talent and experience that could outwit Knicks young lineup and physical defense.

Pacers’ injuries: Bennedict Mathurin (torn right labrum), and OG Anunoby (left hamstring strain). For Game 6, Knicks will likely field an unchanged lineup which has been successful during regular season play; they are missing Julius Randle for right shoulder surgery, Bojan Bogdanovic for left ankle stress injury, Mitchell Robinson (left foot stress injury), Jericho Sims (ankle injury). Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton must both play well if the Knicks hope to take control of this series and take control of this series for their team.

Game 7

Early in Game 7, the Pacers made clear they weren’t to be taken lightly by outhustling the Knicks with relentless hustle, collecting loose balls and turning them into easy points. Although New York rallied late, never leading again; Jalen Brunson scored two 3-pointers for them that brought them within striking distance (61-48), only for Haliburton and Nembhard to respond by hitting consecutive 3s to extend their 11-point advantage further.

Donte DiVincenzo and Alec Burks scored for New York to bring them within one point of tying, but every rally they attempted was swiftly put down by Indiana. Josh Hart was playing through an abdominal strain while OG Anunoby hobbled by hamstring issues; and when Brunson went down with a broken left hand they had no one left who could help.

On Sunday, Indiana outscored New York by out-rebounding them and not turning the ball over as often compared to Game 5, two factors that helped them pull off an unexpected win at Madison Square Garden and advance to the conference finals. Knicks injuries likely played a part, but ultimately their superior team proved too strong.