The Indiana Pacers delivered an offensive masterclass on Sunday, defeating the New York Knicks 130-109 in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series. The victory propels Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a decade, where they’ll face the top-seeded Boston Celtics.
Pacers Put on Shooting Clinic
Indiana wasted no time establishing dominance, exploding for a franchise-record first half. They shot a blistering 76.3% from the field, the highest shooting percentage in any NBA playoff game since 1997 according to Elias Sports Bureau. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 26 points, while Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard chipped in 20 points each. Aaron Nesmith was lights-out, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the field for 19 points.
Brunson Injury Adds to Knicks’ Woes
The Knicks, already battling significant injuries, were dealt another blow when star point guard Jalen Brunson left the game in the second half with a fractured left hand. Brunson had been a scoring machine throughout the playoffs, but finished with just 17 points on 6-for-17 shooting before exiting. New York was also without Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Bojan Bogdanovic, and OG Anunoby, who played just five minutes due to a hamstring issue. Donte DiVincenzo did his best to keep the Knicks afloat, pouring in a game-high 39 points with nine three-pointers. Alec Burks added 26 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pacers’ offensive onslaught.
Historic Night for Indiana
The Pacers’ performance was truly special. They not only set a franchise record for first-half shooting, but also finished the game at an astounding 67.1%, an NBA playoff record. Their offensive efficiency was a stark contrast to the Knicks’ struggles. New York hung tough despite their depleted roster, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Pacers’ firepower.
Looking Ahead
Indiana now sets their sights on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics boast a dominant defense, so the Pacers’ offensive prowess will be put to the test. This series promises to be a thrilling matchup between two contrasting styles of play.