These Knicks never die. Not even the injuries to the two most effective players slowed down Thibs’ team who showed plenty of character and discipline, holding their own against the Pacers, after allowing them 73 points in the first half. As usual, Brunson gets hurt in the first quarter, is forced to miss the entire second half but returns in the second half, takes the Knicks by the hand and, assisted by a devastating DiVincenzo, knocks out the Pacers 130-121 in game 2, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Race-3 is scheduled in Indianapolis on the Italian night between Friday and Saturday.
start
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The hosts start off on the right foot, despite Haliburton regaining the aggressiveness they lost in the first match of the East semi-final, but ahead by eight points they have to manage Brunson’s exit. The player capable of scoring at least 40 points in the last four games must return to the locker room due to a problem with his right foot and remains there until halftime. Indiana thanks and changes gear in the second period. The impact from the bench of the former Toppin (20 points) and an excellent McConnell (10 points and 12 assists) allows the Pacers to take the lead and run away. Anunoby, with Brunson’s absence, rolls up his sleeves and scores from all positions but it’s not enough, Indiana reaches the break 10 points ahead (73-63).
Brunson returns
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At half-time the Garden crowd wondered about Brunson’s condition but he came out of the tunnel and warmed up, causing the New York arena to explode. With its leader, even if clearly limited, New York gains confidence, begins to defend with incredible aggression and takes charge of the inertia of the race. The Knicks return to the front with a 14-0 run but just when the match seems to be channeling along the tracks favored by the home team comes the injury of Anunoby capable of scoring 28 points in three quarters of the match. The former Raptors player has to throw in the towel due to a muscle problem. It’s trouble for the Knicks who lose their edge for a few minutes. McConnell’s defense annoys Brunson quite a bit, Indiana returns to -1 but in the most important moment of the match the Villanova trio Brunson-Hart-DiVincenzo takes center stage. The plays of the former Mavs player, however, half serve, the stubbornness of Hart and the fundamental triples of the Italian-American, push the Knicks and annihilate the Pacers. Coach Carlisle puts his best foot forward and decides to bring McConnell back to the bench who, inexplicably, remained seated for the last seven minutes of the match. DiVincenzo’s triple 1’33” from the siren and the penetration of a moving Brunson thus close the score and give the Knicks a 2-0 lead in the series.
New York: Brunson 29 (8/12, 3/6, 4/6 TL), Anunoby, DiVincenzo 28. Rebounds: Hart 15. Assists: Hartenstein 8.
Indiana: Haliburton 34 (4/8, 7/11, 5/6 TL), Toppin 20, Nembhard 15. Rebounds: Siakam 9. Assists: McConnell 12.
