(New York) Jalen Brunson highlighted his return to action after nursing a right foot injury by scoring 24 of his 29 points in the second half and helped the New York Knicks defeat the Indiana Pacers 130-121 , Wednesday, in the second game of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
The Knicks now lead the series 2-0.
Brunson’s arrival for warm-ups before the second half ignited Madison Square Garden. Brunson missed the entire second quarter and the Pacers took the opportunity to take control of the game.
He was unable to become the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in five straight playoff games, but he nonetheless helped the Knicks come within two wins of a first participation in the Eastern final since 2000.
OG Anunoby added 28 points before leaving the game during the third quarter with a left thigh injury. Donte DiVincenzo provided 28 points and Josh Hart added 19 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists for the Knicks.
On the Pacers side, Tyrese Haliburton redeemed himself after a bad first game. He had 34 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
The Pacers finished the game without coach Rick Carlisle on the bench. He received two technical fouls and was ejected.
The next two games in the series will be presented in Indiana, Friday and Sunday.