Pascal Siakam scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Myles Turner added 17 points and eight rebounds, as Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 116-103 on Friday night to level the Eastern Conference semifinals at 3-3.
Indiana Pacers came into the game and prepared to match New York's energy with a tough rebounding style following a 30-point setback in Game 5. After being crushed on the glass in Game 5, the Pacers outworked New York, outrebounding them 44-37 and even holding a modest 14-13 lead on offence,
With 15 points, apiece from Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard, along with six rebounds and six assists from Nembhard, Indiana maintained its perfect postseason home record at 6-0. Haliburton recorded nine helpers.
Haliburton's game-winning three-pointer
The Pacers demonstrated quickly that this game would be unique. They outclassed the New York Knicks from the start, grabbing loose balls and converting them into fast scores to take a 42-41 lead thanks to Haliburton's game-winning three-pointer. The Pacers never trailed again as the subsequent 16–7 run helped them build a 61–48 advantage at the half.
After missing his final 11 shots in the first half, Jalen Brunson led the severely surpassed Knicks once more with 31 points on 11 of 26 shooting. Donte DiVincenzo scored 17 points and Deuce McBride added 20, but Josh Hart departed the game in the fourth quarter due to what the Knicks claimed to be stomach pains.
Jalen Brunson responded in the second half, bringing the Knicks within 61-56 after two baskets and a free throw. However, Nembhard and Haliburton responded with consecutive three-pointers to restore an 11-point lead, and the Knicks never truly challenged again.
New York Knicks have lost nine consecutive playoff games in Indiana, but they are now returning to the Garden, where they have played much better. Madison Square Garden will host the final Game 7 on Sunday.
Here are Twitter Reaction to the news:
We're sending them home on their home floor!
— Krisdine Papazyan 🇦🇲 🇺🇸 (@FearfulDiamond) May 18, 2024
This is what dreams are made of
— tim holden (@timholden14) May 18, 2024
Boom Baby!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— N3XT (@N3XTlevl) May 18, 2024
Great home W!
— Josh Lutes (@LutesJosh) May 18, 2024
I can’t believe my eyes bro 😭 #BoomBaby
— Dillon_Hoops (@Dillonfor3) May 18, 2024
Y’all own the Knicks!
— L A N D O N (@L44D0N) May 18, 2024
This is Amazing
— KILONZO (@kilonzo_tz) May 18, 2024