Bennedict Mathurin’s career-high 38 points and Tyrese Haliburton’s 35-point, 14-assist effort led the Indiana Pacers to a 132-121 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
The Pacers’ record moved to 5-5, while the Knicks dropped to 4-5 following a fierce battle that featured a strong showing from both teams’ star players.
Mathurin’s seven 3-pointers highlighted Indiana’s season-high 21 3-pointers, with the team outscoring New York 63-21 from beyond the arc. The Pacers’ offense erupted in the fourth quarter, connecting on eight of 13 3-point attempts to secure the victory despite trailing at halftime.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 30 points and nine rebounds. The Knicks led 61-58 at halftime and were up 94-92 entering the fourth, but Indiana’s explosive offense proved too much to contain in the final quarter.
Indiana’s Myles Turner contributed 26 points, adding five 3-pointers, further intensifying New York’s defensive challenges.
The Knicks shot just 28% from three-point range, making seven of 25 attempts, while the Pacers excelled with a 45.7% shooting efficiency from deep.
New York fought back late in the fourth quarter, pulling within two points after Towns completed a three-point play with just over seven minutes remaining. However, the Pacers responded with a series of scores, pushing their lead to 114-107 with under five minutes to play and never relinquishing control from there.
Indiana’s bench also played a role, with Jarace Walker and T.J. McConnell combining for 12 points to give Mathurin and Haliburton support.
While the Knicks had strong individual performances, including OG Anunoby’s 25 points, New York couldn’t overcome Indiana’s balanced attack and outside shooting barrage.
The Pacers, who recently lost wings Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard to injuries, made a clear statement with their ability to fill gaps and maintain offensive firepower. Their 3-point precision and control over possessions allowed them to overcome a tough Knicks team and even their season record.
