Game 1 of the conference semi-final between the Knicks and the Pacers kept all its promises, with a spectacular match where tension and suspense also had their place. If Indiana came close to a perfect match, narrowly missing the opportunity to create a sensation, it was New York who provided the essentials at the end of an exceptional run at the end of the match. Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzon and especially Jalen Brunson, author of 43 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists were the big heroes of the evening.
The Pacers have already secured a victory by withstanding MSG's hostile atmosphere in the first half. The 3-point entry from the Haliburton-Nembhard pair and the still resounding entry from TJ McConnell then allowed Indiana to respond to the offensives of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby. At +3 after 12 minutes (24-27), Rick Carlisle's men stayed the course, between Ben Sheppard's 3-points, Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam's notable passes and Tyrese Haliburton's 3-pointer to bring the gap at +9 just before the break (46-55)!
Obi Toppin sets fire!
Not far from cracking, New York sometimes held on by a thread, as when Isaiah Hartenstein cracked a 3-pointer from his half at the buzzer of the break to miraculously bring his team back to -6 (49- 55). The pivot could have turned into the hero of the evening, multiplying the decisive actions upon returning from the locker room alongside an equally unleashed Donte DiVincenzo! In a duel which increased in intensity, the Pacers did not give up, responding to each offensive, this time by TJ McConnell, or an untenable Obi Toppin at the end of the period. The winger thus slammed six points with a monumental dunk “between the legs” on the counter-attack which made MSG rumble, before putting it back at the start of the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer to respond to OG Anunoby (85-92).
But like others before them, the Pacers then had to manage the revolt of Tom Thibodeau's men, pushed by an entire room in a crazy atmosphere. There was Josh Hart's furious dunk, Donte DiVincenzo's 3-pointer and Jalen Brunson's floater to allow the Knicks to get back on track, with a slightly louder MSG in each possession. To cool the crowd, Indiana was then able to count on Aaron Nesmith, author of two baskets in a row including a monstrous dunk on Mitchell Robinson (95-100). Insufficient, however, to calm the ardor of the Knicks and their fans…
Donte's hell
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart then each hit twice before the leader continued his festival with a 3-pointer and two shots to tie the score at 109-109 following an interception by OG Anunoby. The latter followed up with another interception leading to a dunk in transition in front of a possessed Stephon Marbury. Jalen Brunson then completed a 9-0 with a silky mid-range shot (113-109).
But the hardest part was yet to come, between “challenges” requested by the coaches, and the reaction of the Pacers, who went back in front on a basket from Andrew Nembhard (113-115). After Jalen Brunson's equalizer, the Knicks' salvation came from Donte DiVincenzo's 3-pointer and three shots from Jalen Brunson to overcome this Indiana team, 121 to 117. Can't wait for Game 2!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Jalen Brunson in history. The leader was once again imperial! We will particularly remember his great composure at the end of the match where he almost missed nothing with 12 points in the “money-time” and an assist for Donte DiVincenzo's crucial 3-pointer. He again displayed impressive resistance to pressure to finish with 43 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Above all, he made playoff history by becoming the fourth player in history to string together four playoff games with 40 points or more, alongside Jerry West (six in 1965), Bernard King (four in 1984) and Michael Jordan (4 in 1993).
– Regrets for the Pacers. It took character to resist in such a context, and Rick Carlisle's men were not far from succeeding in their attempt. Upon arrival, the Pacers will be able to regret two incidents of play in the very last minute which ruined their chances of achieving the perfect “hold-up”. First there was this illegal screen validated by the referees after the “challenge” from coach Carlisle, believing that Donte DiVincenzo had added more, on the verge of “flopping”. Then the big ball from Andrew Nembhard who caught Jalen Brunson's pelvis before throwing the ball back into play 12 seconds from the end, causing an additional “free” free throw which complicated the Pacers' task. Two details which were very costly and undermined the good overall performance of Tyrese Haliburton and his teammates.
– Josh Hart in his works. We have the impression of repeating ourselves with this extraordinary player, who continues to amaze the gallery with his investment, his aggression and his flawless commitment. This night, all this came to fruition with a host of strong moments to his credit, but also important baskets, particularly at the end of the match, as when he went for his own rebound after a missed shot to add two plus points, Josh Hart in the text! In the end, he grabbed 13 rebounds to go with his 24 points (9/13 shooting) and 8 assists, once again delivering a mammoth match!
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
