In the final seconds, Jaylen Brunson saves the Knicks in Indiana

Two days later triumphed in Las Vegaswithin the NBA Cup, Nix they have already continued the flow of their “traditional” regular season with a trip to Indianapolis. Dealing with them? THE Pacerswho eliminated them in the conference finals last May.

Without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Josh Hart (abdominal), Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Myles McBride (ankle) or Landry Shamet (shoulder), New York was greatly reduced and this was felt for a long time, Indiana leading almost all the time. Except that in the last moments, Jalen Brunson (25 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals) and his team knew how to make a difference.

Pacers quickly pushed and attacked in full offensive mode, when it comes to taking advantage of turnovers or breaking into the circle, behind this devilAndrew NembhardtThe Knicks are holding on as best they can with Jalen Brunson and Jordan Clarkson (36-25).

Then, as Indiana began to miss more shots and turnovers, in addition to continuing to dominate offensive rebounds, the margin gradually narrowed (62-59). The duo of Jordan Clarkson – Tyler Kolek who is off the bench, then Jalen Brunson caused misery for their hosts, while New York on the other hand had difficulty defending without mistakes and containing Andrew Nembhardt.

A breathtaking finish

If the Pacers’ offense regains momentum, with Andrew Nembhard’s 3-pointer – Pascal Sakak – Benedikt Maturin, who multiplies penetrations in the paint, the Knicks once again make up for the minus of about fifteen points, after Mikal Bridges which symbolizes the great success of Mike Brown’s men who can look forward to his “second unit” (92-86).

New York’s bench and Mikal Bridges continue to work well, finally giving New York the lead, but Pascal Siakam takes care of things and puts Indiana back in front, making baskets from anywhere. The two teams then go blow for blow, with Jaylen Brunson and OG Anunoby waking up at the right time, just like Andrew Nembhard (111-111).

But after two free throws by Pascal Siakam to bring the Pacers back to +2, Jalen Brunson keeps the ball and then makes a 3-pointer to give the Knicks a definitive lead with 4.4 seconds left (114-113). Because, on the final possession, Siakam loses support and OG Anunoby intercepts, before going on the counter-attack, but misses his shot. Towards the end, synonymous with the victory of the recent winners of the NBA Cup.

TO BE REMEMBERED

– Jalen Brunson gets his revenge. Not necessarily inspired after halftime, where he already had 18 points, Jalen Branson saved the best for last. After leaving the substitutes – Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek and Trey Jemison III in leadership – like Michal Bridges leading the Knicks, it was the NBA Cup MVP who took charge and held his own in the heat of the moment. Like his game-winning 3-pointer on the nose of an angry Andrew Nembhard to save the team from a nasty trap in Indianapolis. Now it’s time for a back-to-back against the Sixers, who promise to be tense again.

– Indiana is on the post. The Pacers led 90% of the time in this game. This, with the help of a collective that is often present, led first by Andrew Nembhard and then eventually led by Pascal Siakam, with Benedict Maturin also offering some good sequences. Punished by the Knicks’ 3-point success, Rick Carlisle’s players were unable to take advantage of their opponents’ heavy legs, diminished and not necessarily regular last night, but eventually prevailed by displaying this strength of character that is beginning to define them.

– The first mandate for Mohamed Diawara. The rookie of the Knicks, selected in the second round last June, the Frenchman Mohamed Diawara experienced the first start of his NBA career, “thanks” to numerous absences in the New York camp. Gershon Yabusele and Pakome Dadiye also played, who did not particularly contribute to New York’s seventh success in a row, while Diawara was the most outstanding, with his 19 minutes of play, for 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 interception.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.