The Indiana Pacers are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 after defeating the New York Knicks 130-121 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse gives the Pacers a 3-1 lead in the series.
Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds—without a single turnover. According to Sports Illustrated, Haliburton is the first player in NBA postseason history to achieve those stats without committing a turnover.
Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin also contributed significantly, scoring 30 and 20 points, respectively. Siakam hit a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to extend the Pacers’ lead. Aaron Nesmith, who had an ankle injury scare in Game 3, returned to score 16 points.
The Knicks, despite a 31-point performance by Jalen Brunson and a second-quarter comeback, were unable to hold off Indiana. The team committed 17 turnovers, a factor in the loss. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau told the Irish Examiner, “We scored 120 points, but our defense wasn’t good enough.”
Karl-Anthony Towns appeared to be dealing with a knee issue but declined to comment on it directly after the game, saying, “I'm only thinking about the loss. I'm not thinking about that right now,” according to the Irish Examiner.
Game 5 will be held at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks face elimination, FOX59 reports. The Pacers are focused on maintaining momentum and closing out the series to return to the NBA Finals.
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