Sunday night’s game at Madison Square Garden was anticipated to be historic, but not in the way most people would have predicted. The Indiana Pacers shocked everyone by delivering an exceptional performance in a road Game 7 situation against the New York Knicks. The Pacers, who fell behind 2-0 in the series, managed to win four out of the next five games, ultimately securing a 130-109 victory over the Knicks. This victory marked the highest field goal percentage in NBA playoff history, with the Pacers shooting an impressive 67.1% overall. Head coach Rick Carlisle aptly described his team as the “uninvited guest” that had made history by winning a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
Pacers’ All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, who had struggled in previous games in New York, emerged as a key player in Sunday’s game. He scored 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including four 3-pointers in the first quarter alone. Haliburton’s performance injected momentum into the Pacers and instilled confidence in his team. His aggressive playstyle and confidence reflected in his interactions on the court, with Haliburton unapologetically celebrating each successful shot. His stellar performance set the tone for the Pacers’ dominance throughout the game, allowing them to set up their press defense that troubled the Knicks.
The Knicks attempted to boost their lineup by allowing OG Anunoby to return earlier than expected from a right hamstring injury. However, it was evident from the start that Anunoby was not at his best physically. The Pacers immediately capitalized on his condition, targeting him on defense and exploiting his limitations. Despite Anunoby’s brief moment of glory with two early jump shots, it became clear that he could not stay on the court and contribute effectively to the Knicks’ efforts. Anunoby’s premature exit further bolstered the Pacers’ confidence and set the stage for their offensive onslaught.
Throughout the game, the Pacers demonstrated exceptional shooting accuracy and efficiency. Players like Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner showcased their offensive prowess, with Siakam scoring 15 of his 20 points in the first half. The Pacers shot an astounding 76.3% from the field in the first half, including a remarkable 66.7% from 3-point range. Their ability to convert shots from all areas of the court and maintain a high shooting percentage throughout the game was unparalleled. The Pacers’ offensive performance in this game stood out as one of the greatest displays of offensive basketball in NBA playoff history.
Despite a valiant effort from the Knicks, led by Donte DiVincenzo’s record-setting 3-point shooting performance, the Pacers maintained control of the game. T.J. McConnell, a key reserve guard for the Pacers, played a pivotal role in steadying his team and thwarting the Knicks’ attempted comeback. McConnell’s defensive pressure and playmaking abilities helped the Pacers regain momentum and secure a decisive victory. The Knicks, led by Alec Burks and Josh Hart, displayed resilience and fought until the end, but ultimately fell short against the Pacers’ impressive performance.
The Indiana Pacers defied the odds and silenced their critics with a historic victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Their exceptional shooting, defensive tenacity, and unwavering confidence propelled them to a series-clinching win and solidified their place as legitimate contenders in the playoffs. As they set their sights on the upcoming Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, the Pacers stand as underdogs once again. However, their resounding victory in Game 7 serves as a testament to their resilience, talent, and determination to succeed against all expectations.