Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers in the second game of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. Brunson returned from a right foot injury and scored 24 of his 29 points in the second half, helping secure a crucial win for his team. The game was played on a significant anniversary of Willis Reed’s heroic return during the 1970 NBA Finals, and Brunson’s comeback ignited the Madison Square Garden crowd.
OG Anunoby had a standout game with a career playoff-high 28 points, although he left the game in the third quarter due to a left hamstring injury. Despite numerous injuries, including missing the entire second quarter while the Pacers took the lead, Brunson was instrumental in leading his team to victory. The Pacers were led by Tyrese Haliburton and missed their head coach due to ejection, putting up a strong fight but ultimately coming up short.
The series will now shift to Indiana for Game 3 and Game 4, where the Knicks will look to extend their lead and secure their spot in the Eastern Conference finals.