The Indiana Pacers controlled Game 1 against the New York Knicks, but the hosts' grit and grind never wavered as they pulled off a come-from-behind 121-117 victory.
They were again led by All-Star Jalen Brunson, who scored 43 points in the game, including clutch shots and passes.
The Knicks starting five poured their hearts out again as everybody scored in double figures.
Villanova guys Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo scored 24 and 25, respectively, while OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein scored 13 points each.
Myles Turner led the team with 23 points for the Pacers, while Pascal Siakam, who had a field day in the series with the Milwaukee Bucks, only managed 19 points and six rebounds.
TJ McConnell was again very effective from the bench after scoring 18 points.
The Knicks go where Brunson takes them
It might be a hot take, but Brunson has the argument to be called the best player in the NBA 2024 playoffs.
In Game 1 of the second round, his 43 points put him in the exclusive club of "40 or more points in four consecutive postseason games."
The last one to do it was Michael Jordan during his peak Chicago Bulls days. There are only four players in this club.
Lakers Jerry West holds the record for most 40-point consecutive games as he did it six times in 1965. He is followed by Knicks legend Bernard King, who has four.
Brunson has the opportunity to leap over Jordan and King in Game 2. And he could very well do it, as the Pacers' guard defense needs improvement.
Either the Pacers' defense is awful, or Brunson is just too good.
The 27-year-old point guard picked apart his defenders all game long.
He's been double-teamed all game long, and in the crunch time, he made a good decision that he does not have to be the one always to take the shot.
The Knicks got the possession with 44 seconds remaining on the clock and six seconds in the shot clock.
Brunson received the ball and brought his defender, Andrew Nembhard, to the middle of the court.
He started operating and attracted defenses with his gravity. Eventually, Aaron Nesmith de-committed on DiVincenzo to help Nembhard.
That is where he made a mistake, as Brunson needed only a split second to recognize the next better move.
Divincenzo converted the clutch three to give the Knicks the lead, 118-115, with 39 seconds left.
Brunson has been doing this for the Knicks all postseason long. With his high basketball IQ, he bails them out in crunch time.
So far, he has not had an off day since the series with the Philadelphia 76ers started.
He is the best player in the playoffs so far. Nikola Jokic struggled in Game 2 against the Timberwolves, while Anthony Edwards' play is primarily due to his team's overall performance.
On an individual level, Brunson shows why he should be feared with or without the basketball.
Related article: Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Wants Michael Jordan Comparisons to Stop - Here's Why
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