The New York Knicks showcased a dominant performance against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, winning decisively with a score of 123-98. The Knicks outscored the Pacers 70-40 during the second and third quarters, demonstrating their control throughout the game. However, in the fourth quarter, the cheers for the Knicks were momentarily interrupted by a chant for the Yankees, who were competing in Game 1 of the World Series against the Dodgers.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns acknowledged hearing the Yankees’ chant while he was at the foul line, coinciding with news of Giancarlo Stanton’s home run that had put the Yankees ahead. With the Knicks leading comfortably by 28 points and more than seven minutes remaining, the focus shifted to observations from the game.
One major discussion point was the trade between the Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves that saw Towns swap places with Knicks regulars Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Both teams experienced rocky starts to the season, but Towns made a strong showing with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks after a criticism-laden opening night. He credited a previous preseason game against Minnesota for calming his nerves and helping him adapt to his role as a center again.
Another key takeaway was the Knicks’ defensive improvement. Previously, the team had struggled with perimeter defense, allowing the Boston Celtics to shoot 29 three-pointers in their opener. Against Indiana, the Pacers were limited to just three successful three-point shots out of 30 attempts, a testament to the Knicks’ determined defense.
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ All-NBA point guard, had a disappointing outing, failing to score in 26 minutes of play. Coach Rick Carlisle noted that nights like this are part of the game, acknowledging the broader struggles faced by the Pacers’ starters, who were outscored significantly by the Knicks.
Mikal Bridges, another new addition to the Knicks, had an impressive game, making 8 of 12 shots and displaying a variety of effective moves. Coach Tom Thibodeau expressed confidence in Bridges’ shooting abilities, recognizing the adjustment period he faced during the preseason.
Looking ahead, the Pacers face a challenging schedule with a quick turnaround before their home opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. Coach Carlisle emphasized the need for the team to fight hard in what he described as a demanding start to the season.