The Indiana Pacers dominated the New York Knicks in Game 7, advancing to the Conference Finals with a 130-109 victory.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points. Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard each scored 20 points for the Pacers, while Aaron Nesmith went 8 for 8, scoring 19 points. Aaron Nesmith contributed 19 points, while Myles Turner added 17 for Indiana.
Indiana made 29 of their 38 shots in the first half, leading 70-55 at halftime. The Pacers maintained their lead despite several comeback attempts by the Knicks in the second half.
Jalen Brunson left the game in the second half with a broken left hand, adding to the Knicks’ injury woes.
OG Anunoby returned for the Knicks but was clearly not at full strength and was taken out after just five minutes.
Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 39 points, including nine 3-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Brunson finished with 17 points and nine assists, shooting 6 for 17 in his final game of the season. Alec Burks came off the bench for the Knicks, contributing 26 points.
The Pacers scored 39 points in the first quarter, the most in a Game 7 since the NBA began keeping detailed records.
Josh Hart, playing through an abdominal strain, fouled out with 10 points and eight rebounds for the Knicks.
The Pacers will face top-seeded Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals, beginning Tuesday.
