Knicks backups dominated the Pacers inside to run win streak to nine
Mitchell Robinson had ankle surgery. Julius Randle is out for weeks. OG Anunoby has a sore elbow. That didn't stop their backups from pushing Indiana around Thursday night.
The shorthanded Knicks started Precious Achiuwa and Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Josh Hart at the forward spots. The three combined for 47 rebounds, including 19 on the offensive glass.
In the final 2:30, the Knicks grabbed five offensive rebounds, which led to five points. That was the difference in the game, as New York held on to beat Indiana, 109-105.
Achiuwa, who came over from the Toronto Raptors alongside Anunoby in a trade last month, finished with 12 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks and four steals. His defense was huge late in the game. With a little over a minute to play, Achiuwa blocked former teammate Pascal Siakam, then stole the ball from him during Indiana's next possession.
It was the Knicks' ninth straight win, and a truly remarkable one. Not only were they playing a very good Pacers team while down three starters, they shot only 21 percent from three-point range against the NBA's top offense. But they won by locking down the Pacers late and grabbing 16 more rebounds - and letting Jalen Brunson carry the offense with 40 points.
New York's reserves are stepping up, though the "next man up" mentality might not apply to an emerging superstar like Brunson. But as long as he's on the court, the Knicks have a chance. No matter who else is out.
More must-reads: