Indiana Pacers emerged victorious in a decisive Game 7 against the New York Knicks, with a final score of 130-109. This victory was a testament to the Pacers' resilience and determination throughout the series, as they fought tooth and nail to secure their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
One key factor in the Pacers' success was their stellar performance on both ends of the court. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players stepping up to contribute points and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, they were able to disrupt the Knicks' rhythm and limit their effectiveness, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast break opportunities.
The Pacers made 29 of their 38 shots in the first half, a shooting percentage of 76.3% that was the highest in the postseason since 1997, when the NBA began keeping detailed play-by-play for all four quarters. They led 70-55 at that point and pulled away every time the Knicks tried to make a run in the second half.
The No. 6-seeded Pacers set an NBA playoff record by finishing at 67.1% for the game and advanced to face top-seeded Boston in a series that begins Tuesday. Indiana last reached the conference finals in 2014, losing to Miami.
Alec Burks came off the bench for 26 points.
The third Game 7 between the franchises — the Knicks won in the 1994 Eastern Conference finals and the Pacers pulled out a 97-95 victory the next year in the East semifinals — was a chance for the Pacers to prove that their fast-paced style can win at a time when defenses are supposed to rule.
They scored 39 points in the first quarter, the most in a Game 7 in the play-by-play era, a score that would have been more fitting for halftime in the Pacers-Knicks rivalry of the previous century.
Knicks. They haven't been to the conference finals since 1999-2000.
Which team will end their drought today? We'll know in just four quarters. Follow along here for all the action from Game 7.
The Pacers no doubt benefitted from injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in their first-round series before Anunoby, Hart and Brunson were affected. But the sixth seed and heavy underdog Pacers left New York with no apologies and no intention of stopping.
Read more
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets 98-90 Edmonton Oilers defeat Vancouver Canucks 1-5 in Game 6Sarah H
Also on site :