The New York Knicks routed the Indiana Pacers 123-98 on Friday night, securing their first win of the season in a dominant home debut. Jalen Brunson led New York’s offense with 26 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court.
After a rough season opener in Boston, where they fell 132-109, the Knicks rebounded in front of a home crowd. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart also made significant contributions, each scoring 21 and 20 points respectively, as New York stifled the Pacers’ offense and limited their 3-point shooting to just 3 of 30 attempts.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, an All-Star last season, struggled from the field, missing all seven of his 3-point attempts and finishing the game scoreless. Indiana’s offense was led by Bennedict Mathurin, who scored 20 points off the bench, but the team couldn’t find momentum, particularly from long range.
New York took control midway through the second quarter, building on a slim lead as Brunson reentered the game alongside Indiana’s starters. Brunson scored six points and dished out four assists during a 25-10 Knicks run, which gave New York a 61-45 halftime lead they maintained through the second half.
Despite the loss, Indiana showed flashes of offensive potential, particularly from reserves like Mathurin and Jarace Walker, who scored 20 and 12 points, respectively. However, the Pacers fell short in sustaining offensive consistency, and their primary scorers were outplayed by New York’s versatile defense.
This win marks an important start for the Knicks, who enter the season with heightened expectations following the addition of Towns and Bridges. The duo’s scoring and defensive abilities were apparent, as Towns’ three-point shooting kept the floor spaced for New York’s guards, while Bridges’ versatility added depth to the Knicks’ perimeter defense.
