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Former Indiana Pacers Guard Criticized Jalen Brunson For Holding the Ball Too Long 1 May 10, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks Star Summarizes ECF Vs Pacers With 1 Word

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 26, 2025 6:46 AM ET

On Sunday, the New York Knicks snatched their first win against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers had the advantage in the first half, but the Knicks prevailed and secured the 106-100 win. It was an impressive effort from New York’s best, Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man finished with 24 points, and most of them came from the fourth period.

In the first half, KAT had difficulty finding his footing and got into foul trouble. He already had three fouls during the first two quarters and was limited to less than 14 minutes. The five-time All-Star had four points and six rebounds before halftime.

Even his co-star, Jalen Brunson, was in foul trouble. Brunson had four fouls, but Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau opted to have the All-Star guard on the floor.

This tactic proved to be effective as the Knicks overcame the 20-point lead that Indiana had. KAT led the charge in the fourth quarter with his 20-point explosion. This helped the team regain control and secure a win to make the series 2-1.

After the game, Brunson was asked what he thought about the series so far.

“Unpredictable,” the starting guard said.

“Obviously no lead is safe. Both teams are going to fight until the buzzer. Got a lot of respect over there, we just gotta continue to keep playing our style of basketball and keep grinding up.”

For Game 4, the New York Knicks look to take advantage of their momentum and tie the series at 2-2. They have a chance to do that before heading back to Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

New York Knicks’ forward wants Jalen Brunson to stop fouling

New York Knicks Star Summarizes ECF Vs Pacers With 1 Word 5 Jan 5, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts with guard Josh Hart (3) against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the game, Brunson was in foul trouble. Fortunately for the New York Knicks, their No. 1 option didn’t foul out and was able to finish the game. He had 23 points in the win and shot a lowly 33.3 percent from the field.

After the contest, his teammate, Josh Hart, talked about the importance of Brunson to the reporters.

“We talk about it all year, we don’t just say it,” Hart said. “We trust everybody. If he’s down, that means someone else has to step up, there’s gonna be more minutes for somebody else.

“He needs to stop fouling so much. We need him out there. But I think it shows we’re not — even if he is in foul trouble, we’re not worried, we’re not panicking.”

The Knicks had a different approach with Hart in Game 3. The 6-foot-5 rebounding forward came off the bench as Thibs put Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup. Even though he came off the bench, the veteran forward had a productive night of eight points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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