N.Y. Knicks to ‘reevaluate’ after playoff collapse vs. Indiana Pacers

Could 22 (UPI) — Offensive engine Jalen Brunson mentioned the New York Knicks should “reevaluate” and “can’t sulk” after a historic collapse resulted in a loss to the Indiana Pacers to open the Jap Convention finals.

The Knicks led 119-105 with 3:14 remaining in regulation, however surrendered that 14-point lead after which misplaced 138-135 in additional time Wednesday in New York. Additionally they led 121-112 with 59 seconds remaining.

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Coming into the collection opener, groups that trailed by at the very least 9 factors within the last minute of the fourth quarter or additional time within the playoffs have been 0-1,414 since 1998, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

“We gotta watch film and get together as a team and just reevaluate and be ready for Game 2,” Brunson instructed reporters.

The Knicks, who’re enjoying within the Jap Convention finals for the primary time in 25 years, led by as many as 17 factors. They shot 54.5% within the fourth quarter, however could not comprise Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith, who hit six-consecutive 3-pointers and scored 20 factors over the ultimate 12 minutes of regulation.

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The Knicks went on to make simply 3 of 8 (37.5%) of their photographs in additional time, in comparison with the Pacers’ 6 of 11 (54.5%) clip.

“Aaron’s heroics can’t be talked about enough,” Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton mentioned of Nesmith. “He was amazing down the stretch. … We had a lot of different guys contributing and making plays. I’m just really proud of our group.”

Brunson scored a game-high 43 factors, however went 1 of 6 from 3-point vary. Knicks middle Karl-Anthony Cities, who poured in 35 factors, scored simply two in additional time.

The sport featured 14 lead adjustments and was tied eight instances. The Knicks outscored the Pacers 62-50 within the paint, however had 15 giveaways, in comparison with the Pacers’ seven. The Pacers held benefits of 27-4 in factors off turnovers, 13-5 in quick break factors and 31-17 in bench factors.

The Pacers outscored the Knicks 10-2 over the ultimate 34 seconds of regulation. Haliburton, who totaled 31 factors and 11 assists, dramatically despatched the sport to additional time when he drove into the paint, jumped again to the 3-point line and launched a prayer on the buzzer.

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His shot hit the again iron and bounced excessive above the backboard earlier than falling by the online. He adopted the game-tying two-point basket by making a choking gesture, mimicking the transfer made by Pacers legend Reggie Miller in opposition to the Knicks throughout the 1995 Jap Convention semifinals.

“Obviously, it’s not a good feeling, but a lot of basketball left to be played,” Brunson mentioned. “We can’t sulk. We’ve just gotta get better.”

The Knicks used a 9-2 run to leap forward early within the first quarter. They held onto that lead for almost all of the body, which ended with three lead adjustments over the ultimate 49 seconds. Heart Myles Turner scored 11 factors over the primary 12 minutes, however the Pacers trailed 36-34.

The lead switched arms three extra instances early within the second quarter earlier than the Knicks used a 13-1 run to recapture momentum. They led 69-62 at halftime.

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The Knicks held their lead for your entire third quarter and pushed that benefit to 17 early within the fourth. Nesmith ignited together with his first of six-consecutive 3-pointers with 4:45 remaining in regulation.

His last dagger of the barrage reduce the deficit to 123-121 with 23 seconds on the clock. He later hit two free throws to make the rating 124-123. Knicks ahead OG Anunoby hit one among two free throws on the subsequent possession, establishing Haliburton to hit his game-tying step-back shot on the buzzer.

Cities and Anunoby made photographs on consecutive possessions early on in additional time, giving the Knicks a 129-125 edge.

Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard drained a 3-pointer with 2:44 remaining. He stole the ball from Brunson and made a layup about 30 seconds later for a 130-129 lead. The lead modified arms two extra instances earlier than Nembhard gave the Pacers a 136-135 edge with 27 seconds remaining. Pacers ahead Obi Toppin adopted with a dunk after a Knicks turnover for the ultimate factors of the evening.

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Cities and Brunson missed 3-point makes an attempt on the Knicks’ last two possessions.

Nembhard scored seven of his 15 factors in additional time. Nesmith netted 30 factors. Pacers ahead Pascal Siakam and Turner chipped in 17 and 14 factors, respectively. Veteran guard T.J. McConnell scored 10 off the Pacers bench.

Cities totaled 12 rebounds, along with his 35 factors. Anunoby and Knicks guard Mikal Bridges scored 16 factors apiece within the loss.

The Knicks will host the Pacers in Recreation 2 at 8 p.m. EDT Friday at Madison Sq. Backyard. Recreation 3 will probably be Sunday in Indianapolis.

“I mean, the playoffs, when you win, it’s the best thing ever,” Brunson mentioned. “When you lose it’s the worst thing ever. The best way to deal with all that is to stay levelheaded, making sure we have each others backs.

“Clearly, not the way in which we need to end a sport. however [Wednesday] we are going to watch movie, get higher and ensure we’re prepared for Recreation 2.”