Jalen Brunson didn’t offer excuses after the New York Knicks surrendered a 14-point lead with under three minutes left in regulation and fell 138-135 in overtime to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Speaking postgame, Brunson acknowledged Indiana’s execution, saying, “Give them a lot of credit. They closed the game out like they’ve been doing all playoffs. Just not really good on our part.”
Brunson, who had 43 points but committed seven turnovers, was reinserted with four fouls early in the fourth quarter.
When asked about that decision, he said, “I trust whatever Tom Thibodeau goes with. I have his back no matter what. I just got to be smart.”
Aaron Nesmith’s late-game shooting barrage caught national attention, but Brunson didn’t sound surprised by the forward’s success.
“I mean, it wasn’t rare or a rare sighting. I mean, he can shoot,” Brunson said. “Just not good on our part in finding him in transition and him getting open spots.”
Asked whether he sensed the momentum shifting late, Brunson admitted, “Yeah. I mean, once he hits one, you got to be on higher alert. I got to do a better job of finding him.”
New York had a chance to close the game in regulation, but Tyrese Haliburton’s contested two-pointer forced overtime.
Brunson didn’t receive clarification from officials on a potential goaltending call during a key drive late, stating simply, “No, no explanation.”
Late-game traps from the Pacers also disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm.
“Not turn the ball over and give my teammates a better chance to close out this game,” Brunson said of what he could have done differently. “Just turning the ball over doesn’t help us.”
Despite the devastating loss, the 28-year-old guard stressed the importance of staying focused.
“Tomorrow we watch film and get together as a team and just re-evaluate,” he said. “Then be ready for Game 2.”
Reflecting on the emotional impact of such a collapse, Brunson added, “When you win, it’s the best thing ever. When you lose, it’s the worst thing ever. So the best way to deal with all that is to stay levelheaded.”
Brunson emphasized that there’s still plenty of basketball left, and the team’s focus is now on making necessary adjustments.
“Obviously it’s not a good feeling,” he said. “But a lot of basketball left to be played. So we can’t sulk. We just got to get better.”
Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
