The New York Knicks‘ Eastern Conference Finals opener against the Indiana Pacers ended in heartbreak and controversy, as a late-game collapse was punctuated by a heated sideline exchange between teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby.
With just 34 seconds remaining in regulation and the Knicks clinging to a 123-118 lead, Anunoby approached a seated Towns on the bench, seemingly to discuss a defensive lapse. Towns, visibly frustrated, brushed him off, escalating the confrontation. Point guard Jalen Brunson intervened to de-escalate the situation.
The altercation occurred amid a dramatic Pacers comeback, fueled by Aaron Nesmith‘s clutch three-point shooting. Nesmith scored 30 points, hitting 8-of-9 from beyond the arc, as Indiana erased a 17-point deficit to force overtime and ultimately secure a 138-135 victory.
Communication breakdowns plague Knicks
The Knicks‘ defensive struggles were evident throughout the game, with miscommunications leading to open shots for the Pacers. Coach Tom Thibodeau and players like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby emphasized the need for consistent communication, especially against Indiana’s fast-paced offense.
Anunoby had a chance to extend the Knicks’ lead late in regulation but missed a crucial free throw. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton then hit a game-tying shot to send the game to overtime, where Indiana completed the comeback.
The Knicks will look to regroup and address their communication issues ahead of Game 2, scheduled for Friday at Madison Square Garden. With the series now in Indiana’s favor, New York faces a critical juncture in their playoff run.
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