The Indiana Pacers shocked fans and analysts alike Friday night, toppling the New York Knicks 114-109 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff clash. Expectations had Knicks supporters hopeful for a bounce-back after their Game 1 collapse — but the Pacers had other plans.
With this win, Indiana now holds a 2-0 series lead, flipping the narrative and putting New York on the ropes.
Siakam’s Star Turn and Haliburton’s All-Around Mastery Push Pacers Ahead
Pascal Siakam lit up the court for Indiana, racking up 39 points on a blazing 15-for-23 shooting night. His ability to score from everywhere was a sight to behold. And yeah, he nailed 3 out of 5 shots from beyond the arc — enough to keep the Knicks scrambling. Siakam’s energy set the tone early and never let up.
But it wasn’t just Siakam’s night. Myles Turner contributed 16 points, and Tyrese Haliburton showed why he’s the heart of this Pacers squad. Haliburton was everywhere — 14 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and a couple of steals. That kind of versatility keeps defenses guessing. Plus, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith chipped in 12 points each. And don’t overlook T.J. McConnell, who came off the bench to add 10 points and four assists. The Pacers had balance, grit, and firepower.
That depth made it tough for New York to keep pace. It was like Indiana’s offense was a well-oiled machine.
Knicks Fight Back But Fall Short Despite Brunson’s Heroics
On the flip side, New York leaned heavily on Jalen Brunson. The guy put on a show with 36 points and 11 assists, shooting 13-for-27 overall and hitting 5 of 12 from deep. No doubt, Brunson was doing his best to carry the team on his back.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored 20 points apiece, and OG Anunoby added 16, but it wasn’t enough. The Knicks struggled to close the gap down the stretch, falling just short in a game that felt like it could’ve gone either way.
Brunson’s effort was heroic, but sometimes even a star performance isn’t enough to win on the road in hostile territory.
Pacers’ Message to Knicks: “Took Over The Garden”
After the final buzzer, the Pacers let their social media do the talking with a simple but bold message: “took over The Garden.” That four-word post says it all — Indiana came into Madison Square Garden and made it their playground.
It’s a statement. The Knicks, expected to be dominant at home, instead looked rattled, vulnerable, and a bit flat.
Here’s a quick look at key stats from Game 2:
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds | FG % | 3P % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | 39 | 3 | 5 | 65% | 60% |
| Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers | 14 | 11 | 8 | 50% | 0% |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 36 | 11 | 4 | 48% | 42% |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 20 | 2 | 7 | 44% | 33% |
Looking Ahead: Game 3 in Indy and a City Ready to Celebrate
Sunday’s Game 3 is shaping up to be a massive day in Indianapolis. The Indy 500 roars through town during the day, and later that night, the Pacers host the Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Talk about a jam-packed schedule!
Haliburton sounded pumped for the home crowd, joking about the atmosphere. “I can’t imagine all those people coming to Gainbridge. It’s going to be a rowdy crowd, maybe intoxicated,” he said with a grin. That kind of energy could fuel the Pacers even more.
Yet, head coach Rick Carlisle wasn’t getting ahead of himself. He warned the team not to fall into any traps just because they’re up 2-0. “You cannot assume going home here is going to be easier. It never is,” Carlisle reminded reporters.
That caution makes sense — playoffs are a marathon, not a sprint. The Pacers have momentum but still face a tough battle ahead.
Pacers Defying Odds, Knicks Scramble for Answers
When this series started, Indiana wasn’t given much of a chance to take both games at Madison Square Garden. Yet here they are, two wins in and full of confidence.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are left searching for answers. How do you bounce back after getting outplayed twice at home? Can the offense find a new rhythm? Will the defense tighten up against Siakam and company?
These questions loom large over New York.
Still, basketball is unpredictable. One game can flip the script.
But for now, Indiana is writing the story — and it looks like they’re in no hurry to hand the pen back.
