Jalen Brunson returned from a right foot injury to score 29 points, including 24 in the second half, leading the Knicks of New York to a 130-121 victory over the Pacers of Indiana, extending the lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series to 2-0.
Brunson came close to being the second player in NBA history to score 40 or more points in five consecutive playoff games. and the Knicks advanced halfway to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.
OG Anunoby added a playoff career-high 28 points before exiting with a left hamstring injury in the third quarter for the Knicks, who have already lost three key players for the rest of the season due to injuries.
Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points and Josh Hart had 19 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists for the second-seeded Knicks.
Tyrese Haliburton had 34 points, nine assists and six rebounds for the Pacers, who finished the game without coach Rick Carlisle after receiving two technical fouls and being ejected.
The Pacers made 15 of 22 shots in the second quarter, outscoring the Knicks 37-27 to take a 73-63 lead, but they shot just 10 of 17 (59%) from the free throw line.
The Knicks paid tribute to Willis Reed. His No. 19 jersey and that of his Hall of Fame teammate Walt Frazier were applauded.
The series will continue in Indiana for game three tomorrow and the fourth on Sunday, where the Pacers will seek to avoid being swept.
Read Also
Get the latest news in your email
Everything you need to know to start your day
Registering implies accepting the Terms and Conditions
