Basketball, being a contact sport, often witnesses a minimum of two players from each team finding their place on the injury list. Even if a team manages to field a healthy roster, clashes are inevitable in a game where some of the largest individuals on the planet are involved.
This can result in incidents like an elbow to the face, a whack on the head, a kick to the groin (albeit rarely accidental), or, as in the case of Jalen Brunson, a hit to the eye.
Despite sporting a swollen eye, Brunson displayed exceptional resilience, leading his team to victory with an impressive 40 points.
When questioned about the hit post-game, Jalen responded with humor, saying, “I feel fantastic.” This witty retort came after Brunson collided with Andrew Nembhard in the fourth quarter, falling immediately and clutching his face in pain.
Sensing the urgency of the situation, Brunson, with a throbbing eye, got back on his feet and made the go-ahead basket with just 1:46 remaining on the clock. This pivotal play secured the Knicks’ ninth consecutive win, sealing a 109-105 victory over the Pacers.
In the Knicks vs. Pacers matchup, every player except Josh Hart, who played over 20 minutes, scored in double digits. Donte DiVincenzo followed Brunson with 20 points, while Miles McBride contributed 16 points.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa both achieved double-doubles, scoring 12 points each and grabbing 19 and 16 rebounds, respectively.
Despite the Pacers’ strong start and a comfortable halftime lead (58-51), the game took a turn after the Brunson-Nembhard collision. With 8:25 left on the clock, the Pacers maintained a 91-85 advantage. However, a crucial timeout called by New York changed the course of the game, leading to a sealed deal for Indiana.
Key plays, including a Brunson layup, DiVincenzo’s 18-footer, an errant three-pointer from Achiuwa, and a pair of free throws from Brunson, eliminated any chance for the Pacers. The Knicks are now set to face the Lakers in their upcoming game.
Fresh off a victory against the Celtics, despite missing LeBron James and Anthony Davis, will the Purple & Gold manage to break the Knicks’ winning streak? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
