New York Knicks Subdue Concerns in First Half vs. Indiana Pacers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 21, 2025 10:13 PM ET

Madison Square Garden hasn't been as loud as it was at the start of a game before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals in a long time. It hasn't really had reason to, as the New York Knicks have not been this far in the playoffs since 2000.

25 years ago, the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals, and they haven't been back since. The Knicks have spent a quarter of a decade hoping for revenge, and just 24 minutes into Game 1, revenge finally looks possible.

New York leads Indiana at halftime, 69-62.

Jalen Brunson led all scorers in the first half with 18 points despite getting substantial (for him) rest. He shot 6-11 from the floor, and kept fans on their feet all half long.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 15 points for good measure. Cameron Payne also found success, getting rare early minutes, which he made the most of, scoring six points off the bench in the first half.

Myles Turner scored 12 points, joining Tyrese Haliburton (14) as the only Pacers to score double-digits.

There was concern that the Knicks wouldn't be able to keep up with the Pacers, and there is a lot of basketball left in the series, although with Brunson being able to rest for seven minutes in the first half alone, the Knicks should be fresh for the second half and the second game.

If New York's bench can be relied on for the rest of the series, it's hard to imagine them not making the Finals for the first time in the 21st century.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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