New York Knicks strengthened their push for home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 101-92 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Jalen Brunson led the offense with 29 points and nine assists, while OG Anunoby added 25 points and eight rebounds as New York secured its second straight win and its sixth in the last nine games.
The result improved the Knicks to 43-25, keeping them third in the Eastern Conference standings as they continue to chase a top-four seed.
Interior control played a key role in the outcome, highlighted by Mitchell Robinson, who recorded a career-high 22 rebounds to go along with 12 points.
Robinson collected nine offensive rebounds and anchored a New York frontcourt that finished with a 53-46 advantage on the glass.
The Knicks struggled from the perimeter, shooting just 8-of-28 from three-point range, but compensated by generating second-chance opportunities and consistent paint scoring.
Indiana, which entered the game with the league’s worst record, remained competitive throughout despite its injury-depleted roster.
Jarace Walker led the Pacers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith added 12 points and briefly put the home team ahead late in the third quarter.
The Pacers erased a 14-point deficit during the third period and took a 74-73 lead when Nesmith beat the shot clock with a three-pointer.
Moments later, Jordan Clarkson answered with a buzzer-beating three-pointer for New York that stood after replay review, giving the Knicks a 76-74 edge entering the final quarter.
New York appeared ready to create separation early in the fourth when Brunson orchestrated an 83-77 lead.
Indiana responded again and cut the margin to 90-88 after Walker converted two free throws with 2:56 remaining.
The Knicks then executed the decisive stretch of the game.
Brunson and Anunoby combined to spark a 7-0 run that restored control and sealed the victory.
Additional scoring support came from Mikal Bridges, who finished with 11 points, while Clarkson added eight off the bench.
Indiana received 11 points and eight rebounds from Ivica Zubac, who was playing his second game with the Pacers after being acquired in a February trade.
The loss extended Indiana’s losing streak to 12 games and dropped the team to 15-52, leaving it eliminated from postseason contention.
New York, meanwhile, continues to build momentum as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
The Knicks will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, while Indiana travels to face the Milwaukee Bucks.
