Overview
In a tense late-season showdown, the New York Knicks earned a 114-113 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night in Indianapolis. The difference-maker was Jalen Brunson, who delivered a 25-point performance capped by a go-ahead 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds remaining. The shot punctuated a gritty rally and kept New York on track in a tightly contested game that swung back and forth from tip to final seconds.
Brunson’s late heroics steal the show
Brunson stepped up when it mattered most, finishing with 25 points while anchoring a late Knicks push. After the Pacers had carved out a small lead in the fourth, Brunson seized a rare moment of clarity for New York, knocking down the decisive triple with precision and composure. The make extended his team’s lead on the scoreboard and left Indiana with just enough time for a final push that never materialized for a comeback.
Key moments that shaped the night
Both teams traded leads as the game progressed, with New York weathering cold spells from beyond the arc and Indiana answering with timely possessions. The Knicks leaned on Brunson’s scoring punch and veteran savvy to stay within striking distance, while the Pacers needed a late stop or a last-second bucket to tilt the balance in their favor. The final sequence showcased Brunson’s awareness, ball-handling, and confidence in a high-pressure moment.
Team notes and implications
New York’s victory adds another legitimate win to a season that has seen the team lean on veterans and young contributors alike. Brunson’s production was complemented by solid contributions around him, including efficient finishing at the rim and strong decision-making in crunch time. The win also validates the Knicks’ ability to close out games on the road, an emphasis for a team aiming to secure a favorable seed and playoff positioning as the schedule tightens.
Indiana, meanwhile, will take a heartbreaker back to the film room. The Pacers showed resilience in a game that demanded sustained execution in late minutes, but they ultimately couldn’t finish off the final possession. The outcome leaves Indiana with lessons on late-game defense and the precision required to slow a clutch scorer like Brunson when it matters most.
What’s next
The Knicks will look to build on this momentum as they continue a demanding stretch. For Brunson, the late-game heroics should boost confidence and reinforce his role as a primary closer. Indiana will aim to tighten up closing-line defense and capitalize on home-court opportunities in upcoming matchups. Fans can expect another round of playoff-level intensity as both teams navigate the remaining schedule.
