In a pivotal Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks with a 130–121 victory, taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. The Pacers’ win was highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton’s historic triple-double performance, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between these two storied franchises.
Haliburton delivered an exceptional performance, recording 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without committing a single turnover. This feat made him the first player in NBA playoff history to achieve such a stat line since turnovers were first tracked in 1977–78. His leadership on the court was instrumental in guiding the Pacers to victory and placing them just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.
Pascal Siakam also played a crucial role, contributing 30 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including a key three-pointer that helped maintain the Pacers’ lead in the second half. Bennedict Mathurin added 20 points off the bench, providing valuable support and energy throughout the game.
The Pacers capitalized on the Knicks’ mistakes, converting 17 turnovers into a 22–9 advantage in fast-break points. Indiana’s efficient offense, shooting 51.1% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc, kept the pressure on New York throughout the game.
Despite strong performances from Jalen Brunson, who scored 31 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who added 24 points and 12 rebounds, the Knicks struggled to keep pace with the Pacers’ relentless attack. OG Anunoby contributed 22 points, but New York’s defense and ball control issues proved costly.
First Quarter: Pacers Set the Tone
The Pacers came out firing, scoring 43 points in the first quarter alone. Haliburton led the charge with 15 points and six assists in the opening frame, orchestrating an offense that shot 68.2% from the field. Pascal Siakam added to the early dominance with 10 points in the quarter, exploiting the Knicks’ defensive lapses. Despite Jalen Brunson’s efforts to keep the Knicks competitive, Indiana closed the quarter with a 43–35 lead.
Second Quarter: Knicks Fight Back
The Knicks responded in the second quarter, tightening their defense and finding offensive rhythm. Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 20 points in the quarter, helping the Knicks briefly take a one-point lead late in the half. However, a 13–0 run by the Pacers, highlighted by Siakam’s aggressive drives and Haliburton’s pinpoint passing, swung the momentum back to Indiana. The Pacers entered halftime with a 69–64 advantage.
Third Quarter: Pacers Extend the Lead
Indiana continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, outscoring New York 33–27. Haliburton maintained his exceptional playmaking, facilitating ball movement that led to high-percentage shots. Siakam contributed significantly, finishing the game with 30 points on 11-of-21 shooting. Bennedict Mathurin provided a spark off the bench with timely scoring. The Pacers capitalized on the Knicks’ turnovers, converting 17 miscues into 22 fast-break points, and entered the final quarter with a 102–91 lead.
Fourth Quarter: Knicks’ Rally Falls Short
Facing an 11-point deficit, the Knicks attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter. Brunson scored 12 of his 31 points in the final frame, and Towns added crucial baskets to narrow the gap. OG Anunoby also contributed with timely shots. However, Indiana’s offense remained resilient. Obi Toppin, a former Knick, delivered a dagger three-pointer with 46 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Pacers.
Looking Ahead
With the series shifting back to New York for Game 5, the Knicks face a must-win scenario to extend their season. They will need to address defensive shortcomings and ball security issues that have plagued them throughout the series. Meanwhile, the Pacers are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, riding the momentum of their dynamic offense and Haliburton’s stellar play.