Indiana Pacers Secure Victory Over New York Knicks
On Tuesday night, the Indiana Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s remarkable performance, achieved a significant victory over the New York Knicks, securing a 130-121 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. This triumph puts the Pacers one game away from clinching their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, as they currently lead the series 3-1.
Historic Performance by Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton’s contribution to this win was nothing short of historic. He recorded a triple-double, finishing the game with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, all while tallying no turnovers. This achievement places him alongside NBA legends Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokić as one of only three players to achieve a 30-15-10 triple-double in playoff history, and he is the first to accomplish this feat without a turnover.
Game Highlights
The Pacers got off to a strong start, with Haliburton leading the charge. In the first quarter alone, he scored 15 points, helping the Pacers establish an early eight-point lead. Notably, he was responsible for half of the Pacers’ six made three-pointers during that quarter, surpassing their total from Game 3. Additionally, he provided six assists and five rebounds in the first period, becoming just the second player in playoff history to record at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single quarter since the inception of play-by-play tracking in 1996.
Although the Knicks managed to tie the game early in the second quarter with a quick 9-2 run, the Pacers maintained a slim five-point lead at halftime. Haliburton’s stellar performance continued, as he was just two rebounds shy of his triple-double without committing a turnover, marking a significant milestone in playoff history.
Throughout the third quarter, the Pacers controlled the game, continuously stifling the Knicks’ offense. Haliburton showcased his defensive skills with a precise steal from Jalen Brunson, solidifying the Pacers’ double-digit lead. They ended the third quarter on a 9-4 run, entering the final period with an 11-point advantage. A pivotal three-pointer from Pascal Siakam widened the lead to 15 points, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The Knicks did attempt a late comeback, narrowing the gap to two possessions with a 10-2 run, but it was too little too late. The Pacers effectively clamped down defensively, holding the Knicks scoreless for three minutes toward the end of the game to secure the victory.
Injury Concerns for the Knicks
In addition to the Pacers’ success, concerns around Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns emerged after he sustained a knee injury during the game. Towns fell twice, the second instance occurring late in the fourth quarter after a collision with Myles Turner, visibly in pain. However, he remarkably returned to finish the contest, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, although he was limping noticeably after the game.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points but struggled to maintain his scoring in the final minutes, contributing just one point in the fourth quarter. The Knicks, with a team total of 17 turnovers, face a daunting challenge as they head back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, needing to overcome a 3-1 series deficit—something historically few teams have achieved in the NBA.
Looking Ahead
As both franchises strive to break long-standing playoff droughts, the Pacers will aim for a series-clinching victory, while the Knicks will need to muster a flawless performance if they hope to keep their championship dreams alive.
