Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks with 40 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in a 137-134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. After the game, he addressed the challenge of facing Indiana’s rhythm and confidence. “Defensively, they had their rhythm early and they kept their confidence, kept the rhythm throughout the entire game,” Brunson said.
Brunson acknowledged the intensity of Knicks-Pacers matchups, noting the unpredictability regardless of records. “It just can’t be a regular game. This felt like a playoff game,” he said.
On facing Indiana without key players, Brunson highlighted the need for more physicality. “With no OG, no Mitch… just be a little bit more physical. They were in the rhythm. Pick our tendency on the ball with their physicality… they’re moving really freely tonight,” he explained.
Brunson also reflected on his late-game shots. “The ones I missed I thought they were going in. The one I made at the end I thought I missed,” he said, describing the split-second uncertainty that often defines high-pressure moments.
The Knicks nearly forced a comeback after trailing by four with 1:49 left in regulation, outscoring the Pacers 7-3 and sending the game to overtime with Karl-Anthony Towns’ clutch free throws. Towns finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out with 2:14 remaining in overtime.
Josh Hart contributed a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, but New York’s bench was outscored 43-18 by Indiana’s reserves. Despite the loss, Brunson recognized the Pacers’ well-coached and determined performance. “Regardless of what the record is, they’re great. Great coach. They do everything well. They play hard. They play to the last second,” he said.
The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s 30 points and Andrew Nembhard’s 24 points with 10 assists, snapped a four-game losing streak, improving to 14-40. Indiana scored the first nine points of overtime and overcame a furious Knicks run over the final 24.3 seconds.
Brunson emphasized the need for better defensive adjustments in future matchups. “We just have to pick up on their rhythm, be more physical, and communicate better. They’re going to play every single night regardless of the record,” he said.
The Knicks fall to 34-21 and will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, while Indiana looks to continue its momentum against the Brooklyn Nets.
