NBA: Jalen Brunson Combats Injury Scare, launching Knicks to a 2-0 Lead over Pacers
NEW YORK - Like Game 1, it was a back-and-forth affair that wasn't without controversy. It was a close game from the start for the Knicks and Pacers, as both teams kept answering back in transitions. The Indiana Pacers came in strong but not strong enough as they lost control in the second half, losing 130-121. Knicks fans trembled in fear as Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who had been instrumental in the team's success, exited with a right foot injury late in the first quarter on Wednesday. The injury, later diagnosed as a sprained ankle, blew the team's morale.
The Knicks' loss of momentum was evident, as they were missing a crucial piece to their dominating offense.
The anticipation was real, especially once Pacers all-star Tyrese Haliburton had a bounce-back performance following a mediocre Game 1. The star scored 34 points in Game 1, whereas he only scored six. Haliburton took the blame for the Game 1 loss.
"They're a good defensive team, but honestly, I look at it as a Tyrese issue more than a Knicks issue, so I'll be better in Game 2," Haliburton said after the Pacers practiced Tuesday in Manhattan. "I think that every player in the league who's a scorer and a high-usage guy passes the ball a lot. It's a balance we all have to find," said Haliburton, referencing Game 1.
The big question is, did Haliburton find that balance? Certainly not in Game 2.
Aside from the 34 points, the star point guard added six rebounds, nine assists, and three steals during his 35 minutes on the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite a strong comeback from Haliburton in Game 2, the Pacers lost control after Brunson returned to the arena. During Brunson's absence, Indiana dominated the final 15 minutes of the first half, going on a crowd-quieting 56-39 run, showcasing how much of an impact Brunson brings to the Knicks organization. The Pacers led 73-63 at the half. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasizes the leader that Brunson is postgame.
"He's a great leader, and the players all have respect for that when a guy tries to give whatever he has. It says a lot about him," Thibodeau said. "To me, the actions say a lot more than the words. It says that you care a lot about your team and your teammates."
During halftime, the crowd rose to their feet and chanted "MVP"” filling the arena with the momentum needed to increase the intensity for the second half. The moment Brunson walked through the tunnel, the crowd erupted.
If there's one thing New Yorkers will do, it's to get loud. As the crowd erupted into cheers, they stood up from their seats and cheered "MVP," creating a wave of energy that electrified the entire arena. Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein said he heard the roar from the locker room.
As Brunson made his way through the tunnel to return to the court, the crowd burst into cheers. The noise was so intense that Brunson had to ask the fans to quiet down so that he could focus and test his foot with the necessary mental clarity. Brunson's return was the game plan, leading to an energized second half, securing the Knicks' 2-0 lead.
"It was really cool, but I just knew I had to get my mind in the right place to figure out how I was going to attack in the second half," Brunson said of the MVP chants fans greeted him with.
Brunson finished the game with 29 points — 24 in the second half — five assists, three steals, and two rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo added 28 points (10-of-20 FG, 6-of-12 3PT), and Josh Hart, who played the entire game, had a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
