Knicks Sprint Past Pacers with Towns’ Dominance in 128-115 Victory

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks to a 128-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, scoring 40 points and grabbing 12 rebounds at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The win was significant for New York, marking their first road victory over the Pacers since April 2023.

Towns, who shot 14 of 23 from the field, dominated early, scoring 24 points in the first half. His performance complemented Josh Hart, who contributed 30 points, going 12 of 16 on field goals. The Knicks improved to 35-18 with this victory, solidifying their position near the top of the Eastern Conference.

Three-time All-Star Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 24 points, while Thomas Bryant, filling in for the injured Myles Turner, added 18 points and 9 rebounds. The Pacers fell to 29-23, struggling to find defensive solutions against the Knicks’ offensive onslaught.

The game began as a closely contested battle, but New York seized control during the second quarter, thanks to a 10-0 run that gave them a 68-60 lead at halftime. After Indiana narrowed the gap to 89-85 late in the third quarter, the Knicks pulled away decisively in the final quarter.

“We took it to another level in the second half,” Towns said after the game. “I was just trying to do whatever it takes to help my team win, and Josh made some huge plays.” The Knicks out-rebounded the Pacers 48-36 and scored 19 points on second-chance opportunities, highlighting their dominance in the paint.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed frustration after the loss, noting the team’s failure to contain Towns and Hart. “We didn’t execute our defensive scheme, and it cost us,” he stated. “We have to learn how to respond better in critical moments.”

The Knicks’ head coach, Tom Thibodeau, praised his team’s resilience, especially given the absence of forward OG Anunoby and the foul trouble of starter Jalen Brunson. “This was a total team effort,” Thibodeau remarked. “Everyone stepped up, and we executed when it mattered.” The Knicks’ victory brings them momentum heading into their next game against the Atlanta Hawks before the All-Star break.

The Pacers will look to regroup when they travel to face the Washington Wizards in their next matchup, aiming to break a troubling streak after losing two of their last three games. Indiana’s season continues to fluctuate as the team searches for consistency atop the Eastern Conference standings.