February 12 – Karl-Anthony Towns dominated with 40 points and 12 rebounds, while Josh Hart contributed a season-high 30 points, leading the New York Knicks to a 128-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
Hart also filled the stat sheet with 10 rebounds and five assists, shooting an efficient 12-of-16 from the field. Miles McBride added 15 points as the Knicks pulled away in the fourth quarter, securing the season series against Indiana 2-1.
New York held an eight-point lead early in the final period before a 13-5 surge, capped by a Hart layup, extended the advantage to 116-100 with 5:41 remaining. The Knicks controlled the rest of the game, earning their eighth win in the last 10 outings.
Pascal Siakam paced Indiana with 24 points, while Bennedict Mathurin and Thomas Bryant each added 18. Bryant, who also grabbed nine rebounds, started in place of Myles Turner, sidelined for the second consecutive game with a cervical strain. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 16 points and eight assists, and Ben Sheppard chipped in 12. The Pacers struggled from deep, shooting just 29% (9-of-31), and dropped their third game in the past four.
New York led 27-26 after the first quarter and used a late 15-3 run in the second to build a 61-50 advantage. Towns poured in 24 first-half points as the Knicks took a 68-60 lead into the break, holding Indiana to 30% shooting (6-of-20) from beyond the arc.
Jalen Brunson had a quiet first half with six points and picked up his fifth foul early in the third quarter, forcing him to the bench with 8:42 left and New York up 74-65. Despite his absence, the Knicks maintained control, entering the fourth with a 98-88 lead.
Precious Achiuwa contributed nine points and 12 rebounds, while Brunson finished with eight points on 4-of-11 shooting. The Knicks played without OG Anunoby, who missed his fourth straight game due to a sprained right foot.
STORY BY SALIFU ZAKARI ZEBA
X@salifzakari14
