Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining and OG Anunoby secured the inbounds steal to help the New York Knicks survive a late surge from the Indiana Pacers, winning 114-113 on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Mikal Bridges added 22 points and eight boards. Tyler Kolek recorded career highs with 16 points and 11 assists, helping New York overcome an early 16-point deficit.
OG Anunoby contributed 16 points, including the critical defensive play that sealed the win. New York rallied from a 28-12 first-quarter hole, closing to 62-59 at halftime and later tying the game at 111 on Anunoby’s three-pointer with 1:51 left.
Indiana was paced by Andrew Nembhard, who scored 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting and made four of five 3-pointers. Pascal Siakam added 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 16 points and eight boards.
The Pacers led 83-68 late in the third quarter, but the Knicks mounted a comeback, taking a 95-94 lead on Kolek’s 17-foot jumper with 8:41 remaining. Indiana regained a 10-3 run to move ahead 109-102, but New York responded with a 12-4 spurt to set up Brunson’s game-winner.
The Knicks shot 47% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while the Pacers converted 46% overall and 32% from deep. New York outrebounded Indiana 46-52, with key boards coming at crucial moments to maintain possession down the stretch.
Both teams were missing multiple players: New York without Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, and Landry Shamet, while Indiana was without Tyrese Haliburton, Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin.
The victory extends the Knicks’ winning streak to seven games, while the Pacers drop to 6-21, suffering their third consecutive loss under coach Rick Carlisle, who is one win shy of 1,000 career victories.
The Knicks return home to host Philadelphia on Friday, while Indiana begins a two-game road trip in Boston on Monday.
