The Indiana Pacers got revenge for their November loss in New York by blowing the Knicks out, 115-97.
Nearly a month ago, the Pacers swallowed a tough L in Madison Square Garden–falling 108-101 to the Knicks of New York. Kristaps Porzingis was unstoppable, tallying 40 points and six blocks. Enes Kanter grabbed 18 rebounds.
Since then, the Pacers have found themselves. They were on a two-game skid coming into the night, but with New York missing Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., Indiana had no excuses but to blow the top off of this one.
And that they did.
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The Good: It was an egalitarian effort in Indiana tonight, as all Pacers starters finished scoring in double figures. Indiana shot 53.5 percent from the field, 42.3 percent from three and 80 percent from the line. They scored 115 and allowed 97. Everything was good on this night.
The Bad: They didn’t win by more.
MVP: Thaddeus Young did it all tonight, scoring efficiently (9-of-11, 2-of-2 from three) while bringing down six boards and getting a couple of steals. Young is Mr. Consistency for the Pacers, always reliable to score some easy buckets and make energy plays. Thad took the pressure off the starters tonight, allowing them to settle in and not have to worry about carrying a load.
LVP: TJ Leaf didn’t just play in garbage time tonight! He didn’t do much, unfortunately, finishing with zero points and five rebounds.
X-Factor: Darren Collison always seems to get it done in the shadows of Indiana’s stars. He recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists, and got a few big steals in the third quarter that turned into easy buckets on the other end.
Next: Yeah, George Hill ain't coming back
Next up, Indiana will host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. EST.