Game Recap
Still trying to secure a spot in the playoffs, the Indiana Pacers are one step closer to that goal after defeating the New York Knicks on the road, 92-87. Just like a night ago in Philadelphia, Indiana built an 18-point lead in the third quarter, only to lose it and have to fight for a win in the fourth.
"Obviously you want to step on a team’s throat when you are up by 18 and put them away", Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "We failed to do that the past few nights, but we got two W’s, so we have to continue to work hard. I’ll be happy with the win."
Paul George was the hero tonight, draining a step back jumper with 23.6 seconds remaining in the game to give Indiana a 89-87 lead. On New York's next possession, Sasha Vujacic attempted an off-balance 3-pointer, and it missed the mark. Monta Ellis secured the rebound and made the ensuing free throws to give the visitors the cushion they needed.
"I knew could just get to a spot," George said of his clutch jumper. "I like that side of the court so it's just about getting to a spot and raising over."
The Pacers got off to a slow start in Madison Square Garden, shooting just 7-of-21 in the opening period. New York wasn’t much better but did hit four 3-pointers, which sent them to a 23-18 lead heading into the second quarter.
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Like last night in Philadelphia, in the second, Indiana’s bench took control. The Pacers’ second unit began the quarter with a 13-6 run to give Indiana a 32-29 lead with 8:35 remaining. The strong play from the group continued, and with under four minutes to play in the half, the Pacers’ advantage had grown to seven, 44-37.
Indiana finished the half with a George Hill three-point play and a pair of Paul George free throws to take a 13-point lead into the locker room.
The Pacers grew their lead to 18, 68-50, by the midway point of the third quarter. George was red-hot, scoring the Pacers’ first 12 points in the period, but the Knicks were by no means finished.
The home team came roaring back thanks to a 15-2 run, and when the third quarter was said and done, the Pacers’ sizable lead had been cut in half. Heading into the final period, Indiana was ahead 74-65.
The Knicks continued to cut into the lead as the fourth quarter began. They started the quarter with a 7-3 run, with all seven points coming from Arron Afflalo. At the 8:02 mark, Indiana led by just five, 77-72.
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As the fourth continued, New York kept coming. The lead was trimmed to one with 3:13 to play by a Kevin Seraphin layup. After a made free throw by Ian Mahimi, Sasha Vujacic earned a trip to the charity stripe and tied things up at 85 with 2:31 remaining. From there, the Pacers made just enough plays to leave New York with their 41st victory of the season.
George finished the night with 20 points and nine rebounds. For the second game in a row, Rodney Stuckey was key off the bench, scoring 17.
Leading the way for the Knicks was Vujacic. He ended the game with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Afflalo scored 15, and Derrick Williams added 12.
Inside the Numbers
Solomon Hill's +/- rating of +19 was the game's best.
Indiana's bench outscored New York's 45-36.
For the second night in a row, Rodney Stuckey scored 17 points.
You Can Quote Me On That
"I told the guys after the ball game, you know I got on them pretty good at half time because they weren't really playing with a lot of effort. You can't get the stops that you need and you can't get back in transition, you can't move the ball offensively. I really appreciate and admire how well they came out and played in the second half." -Knicks head coach Kurt Rambis
"This is great, these are must wins for us. I am happy to be ready to come out with them. Despite the opponent, it is still good to get road wins especially beating them three times and beating Philly four times so it's good for this program." -Paul George
"My competitive spirit kicked in. The guys were competing and we had a chance to win, so that was exciting." -Knicks forward Arron Afflalo
"We're developing slowly. We would have thought we would gel a little bit faster but sometimes it takes a while to develop." -George Hill
Noteworthy
- Tonight was the first time Indiana has won on back-to-back nights since it earned victories on November 3 and 4
- George Hill passed Chuck Person for 5th all-time in Pacers history for made 3-pointers. Hill has made 467 triples as a member of the Blue & Gold.
- Indiana (41-36) now holds the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs standings. Detroit (41-36) falls to No. 8, and Chicago (39-38) remains two games back.
Stat of the Night
The Pacers' defense showed up tonight, holding the Knicks to 34.4% shooting (33-of-96).
Up Next
The Pacers host LeBron James and the Cavaliers in a possible playoff preview on Wednesday, April 6. Find Tickets »
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