At the end of overtime, the Pacers surprise the Knicks

Conflicts between Nix and the Pacers they’ve entertained us often in recent months, and tonight at Madison Square Garden was no exception.

We had to wait for overtime for this match, long undecided (39 lead changes, a record this season) and close (no difference of more than 10 points), to make a verdict. But in the end it’s the playersIndiana who took the upper hand (137-134) over those of New York. In the atmosphere of great evenings.

Despite the big Jalen Brunson (40 points, 8 assists), triple-double of Josh Hart (15 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) and overtime caught on two throws Karl-Anthony Towns (22 points, 14 rebounds) with 0.2 seconds left, the Knicks had to surrender to their teammates. Pascal Sakak (30 points) et Andrew Nembhardt (24 points, 10 assists), always excited at the Garden.

However, even at +9 with forty seconds left, the Pacers had to work until the end. Because after being down a terrible 9-0 to start overtime, the New Yorkers found the resources to get back to -1 within seconds, taking advantage of an Aaron Nesmith turnover and then an 0/2 at the line by Pascal Siakam.

Fortunately for Indiana, surprisingly Quenton Jackson was there to tie the score on free throws, but it was hot all the way for Rick Carlisle’s men, who snapped a four-game losing streak. For New York, that now makes it two losses in three games, before the looming “back-to-back” in Philadelphia.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Indiana definitely loves New York. Going back to the 2023/24 season, the Pacers have won four of their last six trips to Madison Square Garden. Last night they managed to confirm that they like going there, even though they have only won three away games this season (in 25 games) and the Knicks have only lost six times at home (in 27 games). Fortunately, Indy was able to rely on the contributions of his bench, his 3-point prowess and above all a better overtime start to get a morale-boosting success (without compromising the tanking project too much).

39 changes in leadership. As already mentioned, the season record for lead change was broken. Proof that this match was particularly balanced, with two teams responding one after the other without either losing too seriously in the result. Except at the end, when the Pacers went on a 9-0 run that led to an overtime victory, they were a little too reliant on Jalen Brunson against the Knicks. Especially after Carl Anthony Towns’ six-foul, save late in the fourth quarter.

And 610 for Mikal Bridges. The “Iron Man” par excellence of the modern NBA league, Michal Bridges is now at… 610 games played out of 610 possible in the regular season. In history, only one player has done better at the beginning of his career, and that is Red “Johnny” Kerr with his… 844 consecutive games, 1950s/60s. Jack Twyman stopped at 609.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; 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.