Brunson overcomes foot injury, kicks Knicks into gear

Knicks' Brunson sparks comeback win against Pacers with 40 points, leading team halfway to first Eastern Conference finals since 2000.

On the momentous occasion of the anniversary of Willis Reed's iconic entrance onto the court during the 1970 NBA Finals, Brunson electrified the Madison Square Garden crowd with his halftime warm-up on Wednesday (Thursday AEST). Despite missing the entire second quarter as the Pacers surged to a double-digit lead, Brunson's return provided the Knicks with the spark they needed to secure a crucial victory, inching them closer to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in over two decades.

While falling short of achieving the feat of scoring 40 or more points in five consecutive playoff games, Brunson's performance, coupled with a career playoff-high 28 points from OG Anunoby before his departure due to a hamstring injury, bolstered the injury-plagued Knicks. Despite losing three key players to season-ending injuries, the Knicks rallied behind Brunson and stellar contributions from his Villanova teammates, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart.

Despite a valiant effort from Tyrese Haliburton, who notched 34 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for the Pacers, Indiana ultimately fell short as coach Rick Carlisle was ejected from the game. As the series shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, the Knicks look to capitalize on their newfound momentum and secure a commanding lead.

Former Knicks forward Obi Toppin delivered a strong performance off the bench for Indiana, contributing 20 points. However, the Pacers' struggles from the free-throw line proved costly, as they shot just 10 for 17. Despite early setbacks and a formidable second-quarter surge by the Pacers, Brunson's return during halftime ignited a remarkable comeback for the Knicks, culminating in a thrilling 14-0 run to seize control of the game.

As Anunoby succumbed to injury and Brunson's leadership guided the Knicks through a tense fourth quarter, New York emerged victorious, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The electrifying atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, reminiscent of Reed's historic moment, underscored the significance of Brunson's impact and the Knicks' pursuit of championship glory.