The Indiana Pacers suffered their first loss of 2021.
After going 4-1 to start the season, the Indiana Pacers were handed their first loss of 2021 at the hands of the Knicks. The Knicks, who have already defeated the Bucks this season, have now taken down two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The teams have now split their first two matchups of the season.
Despite losing T.J. Warren for the indefinite future, the Pacers have rallied behind role players to get them through their past two games, including the New Year’s Eve win over Cleveland. Unfortunately, this one was not as favorable for Indiana as the Knicks won 106-102.
In the 2021 opener, Indiana got off to a hot start behind the strong shooting display of Malcolm Brogdon. The President connected on all six of his shots in the opening frame, including four three-point shots, for 17 points. He would finish with 33 points on 7/10 shooting from beyond the arc. RJ Barrett returned the favor by hitting a pair of threes of his own and scoring eight in the quarter.
A slow and less-than-exciting second period drew the Knicks to within one heading into the locker room. Indiana struggled with New York in the season opener as well, and more of those problems persisted in this one. The Knicks matched up well in the first half and hit big shots to keep the game close.
A strong third quarter from Myles Turner helped propel the Pacers to a 31-point showing, but the Knicks put up 32 of their own. Turner scored 11 points in the quarter and finally saw his three-point shot fall, which was not the case early on.
The Knicks held Indiana to just 20 points in the fourth quarter and held them off in the final minutes to pull out the victory. RJ Barrett (25 points) and Elfrid Payton (19 points) carried the Knicks throughout the night. Victor Oladipo shot just 3/16 from the field and 2/9 from three-point land.
Indiana returns to action on Monday night when they travel to New Orleans for a matchup with the Pelicans.