Knicks Rally Streak To 9th Straight Win

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

When the New York Knicks took the floor at Madison Square Garden last night the Indiana Pacers, they had to feeling good about themselves. First, they were riding a eight game winning streak. Second, the All-Star reserves were announced and both guard Jalen Brunson (many thought he should have been named to the first team) and forward Julius Randle were selected. It was Randle’s third selection as a member of the Knicks. Once again, New York was short handed as Randle was recovering from a dislocated shoulder and OG Anunoby was nursing a right elbow strain. New York came into the game ranked second in the league. They did not play like that in the first quarter.

 

The Knicks gave up 36 first quarter points as the Pacers a 36-26 lead. Indiana was led by Nesmith and Siakim who scored 10 points each. The Pacers shot 50% from the floor and 36% from 3-point land. New York struggled from both shooting 36% from the floor and 30% from downtown. Donte DiVincenzo continued his hot shooting scoring 13 points connecting on 5 of 9 attempts. Brunson chipped in 8 points.

 

Things didn’t get any better for the Orange and Blue to begin the second quarter as they basically traded baskets as Indiana took a 12-point (50-38) lead with 4:48 left. New York closed the gap as they outscored Indiana 13-8 going into the half down 58-51.

 

The Knicks scratched and clawed themselves back in the third quarter getting within 5 point (84-79) and showed the fight and tenacity that had led them to their winning streak. Once again, Brunson was the key in the comeback victory as he finished with 40 points in the 109-105 win. Brunson overcame a shot to his eye late in the game resulting in an Indiana basket which gave the Pacers a brief lead. New York responded by going on a 7-0 run to close out the game.

 

Said DiVincenzo of Brunson’s performance, “he did exactly what everybody expects him to do, what he’s done all season long. Dude is an All-Star. He’s having an MVP caliber season right now. Everything has been thrown against us and he’s still willing us to win games.”

 

The Knicks host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on prime time television Saturday night.