INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling matchup, the New York Knicks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 128-115 on Tuesday evening, thanks to outstanding performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart. Towns scored a remarkable 40 points and secured 12 rebounds, while Hart contributed significantly with 30 points and 10 rebounds. This victory marks the Knicks’ first win in Indianapolis since April 2023, breaking a previous streak where they lost all three road games in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Pacers.
Towns was on fire, especially in the first half, where he netted 24 points with an impressive shooting percentage of 75%, making 9 out of 12 attempts. Overall, Towns finished the game with 14 baskets out of 23, while Hart exhibited his skills mainly in the second half, successfully shooting 12 of 16. On the other hand, the Pacers had a notable performance from three-time All-Star Pascal Siakam, who led the team with 24 points. Thomas Bryant stepped up in the absence of the injured Myles Turner, who was sidelined due to a strained neck, contributing 18 points along with nine rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin also added 18 points to the Pacers’ tally.
The game was tightly contested, but the Knicks gained an edge with a decisive 10-0 run during the second quarter, which helped them establish a 68-60 lead at halftime. Later in the game, the Pacers managed to tighten the score to 89-85 nearing the end of the third quarter, but the Knicks responded effectively and managed to pull away in the final minutes.
Looking at key takeaways, Coach Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks displayed resilience despite the absence of injured forward OG Anunoby and faced challenges early on with Jalen Brunson dealing with foul issues. However, Towns and Hart’s pivotal performances guided the Knicks to this crucial victory. For the Pacers, this game was a chance to rebound after struggling through their recent road trip, but they faced difficulties containing the offense of Towns and Hart, particularly in their three-point shooting, which left much to be desired.
A significant moment from the game occurred early in the fourth quarter when Indiana was trailing 103-95. The Knicks responded with a quick seven-point run that effectively sealed the game for them, leaving the Pacers unable to mount a comeback. The Knicks also capitalized on their rebounding advantage, which was reflected in the stats as they out-rebounded Indiana 48-36, translating to a 19-6 advantage in second-chance points.
As the Knicks prepare for their upcoming home game against the Atlanta Hawks before the All-Star break, the Pacers will look to turn things around on the road as they head to face the Washington Wizards.
