NBA roundup: Pacers pummel Knicks to stay alive in play-offs

The Indiana Pacers secured another significant victory on their home court on Friday, dominating the New York Knicks with a final score of 116-103. This win has forced a crucial game seven in the NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series.

Pascal Siakam led the scoring for Indiana with 25 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 15 points along with nine assists.

Myles Turner also played a crucial role, scoring 17 points. Impressively, six Pacers players achieved double figures in scoring.

After a disappointing loss in game five in New York, the Pacers displayed a sense of urgency and determination.

They outscored the Knicks by a significant margin of 62-38 in the paint and emerged victorious in the rebounding battle.

The Pacers exhibited great hustle, securing loose balls, blocking eight shots, and distributing 35 assists to maintain their offensive momentum.

Additionally, they effectively limited the impact of Jalen Brunson, a key player for the Knicks, throughout the game. This victory further solidifies the Pacers' flawless home record of 6-0 in this postseason.

However, the Pacers will now face the challenge of replicating their success on the road if they wish to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. The Knicks will host the decisive game seven at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

Tyrese Haliburton expressed the significance of this upcoming game, stating, "Now it's a one game series, and it's for all the marbles.

Where better to have a game seven than the Garden? No team has managed to win a game on the road in this series, so we must be prepared to give our best effort for the entire 48 minute's."

The Pacers extended their lead to 13 points late in the second quarter after a 17-2 scoring run, breaking open a close game.

Donte DiVincenzo's three-pointer for New York cut the Pacers' lead to 10, 61-51, at halftime, halting their momentum.

Brunson struggled in the first half but found his rhythm after the break, scoring 14 points in the third quarter and finishing with 31.

Despite Miles McBride's 20 points for the Knicks, the Pacers quickly shut down their brief surge in the third quarter.

Brunson acknowledged the Pacers' strong performance, stating, "You've got to give them credit for the way they played tonight."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle attributed the win to his team's effort and intensity.

Carlisle praised Siakam's veteran presence and crucial skillset, highlighting his impact on the game.

Carlisle mentioned that he is the sole player on the team who can execute a 16-foot shot over a seven-foot opponent and succeed. He demonstrated this skill three or four times during the third and fourth quarters.

Despite being satisfied with the team's comeback victory, Carlisle is already focusing on the upcoming challenge on Sunday.

He emphasized the importance of not becoming complacent in a series like this, as it can lead to defeat in the next game.

The Knicks faced another setback as forward Josh Hart left the game early in the fourth quarter due to abdominal soreness.

Hart had been struggling with discomfort in his midsection since the first quarter.

This injury adds to the Knicks' woes, as they were already missing key players like Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mitchell Robinson due to various injuries.

Coach Tom Thibodeau remained tight-lipped about Hart's availability for Sunday, but he emphasized that injuries would not be used as an excuse.

Thibodeau highlighted the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of the playoffs, emphasizing the need to overcome adversity and continue to compete.