Brunson Returns From Ankle Injury Sparks Comeback Win
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
2 down 2 to go. The Knicks, despite injuries to forward OG Anunoby (hamstring) and guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) came back for the second straight game against the Indiana Pacers. This time, they were down 9 and watched as Brunson came back after missing most of the first half to spark a 36-18 third quarter leading to 130-121 win. All 5 starters scored in double figures as Brunson led the team with 29 points. Guard Donte DiVincenzo and Anunoby scored 28 points. The Pacers were led by guard Tyrese Haliburton’s 34 points with ex-Knicks Obi Toppin scoring 20 coming off the bench.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibideau said, “we’re going to have to do a lot better than we did tonight. The big thing in the fourth quarter is we made some hustle plays.”
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, frustrated by the officiating, was ejected and wasted no time calling out the refs in his post-game press conference when a double dribble call on center Isaiah Hartenstein was overturned “That’s small beans compared to everything else. Small market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they’re playing.” Carlisle went on to say, “we deserve a fair shot, and it’s just not. There’s not a consistent balance. And that’s disappointing. So, give New York credit for the physicality that they’re playing with. But their physicality is rewarded, and ours is penalized, just time after time.”
The series moves to Indiana for games 3 and 4 beginning Friday night. Anunoby is not expected to play and Brunson underwent an MRI on his ankle and his status will be a game time decision.
The New York Knicks have not advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1999 when they went to the NBA Finals only to lose to the San Antonio Spurs. 2 more wins and they will face the winner of the Boston Celtics/Cleveland Cavaliers series. Boston routed the Cavs in game 1.
