The New York Knicks fell apart in the fourth quarter again, losing to the Indiana Pacers 132 to 121. Their offense continued to hum, but their defense fell short. 

The game stayed close throughout the first half. New York dominated the interior, while the Pacers kept up with a barrage of three-pointers. 

The Knicks’ efficiency helped them hold onto a slim lead into the third quarter, which they built on early. But the Pacers mounted a comeback, closing the gap by the end of the third and running away with it in the fourth.

New York’s offense never slowed, even through most of the fourth. But the Pacers knocked down a three for every two points Brunson or Towns scored. Indiana made 21 of 46 attempts from three, including eight makes in the pivotal fourth.

The Knicks can’t win if they can’t get stops. Let’s take a closer look at the tough loss.

Notable Performances

Three big performances lead the way

Jalen Brunson: 33 PTS (11/17 FG, 1/2 3PT, 10/12 FT), 10 AST, 6 REB, 3 TO in 41 mins

Jalen Brunson played his best offensive game of the season, pouring in 33 efficient points and 10 assists for a double-double. He got space, knocked down midrange jumpers as consistently as we’ve seen all season, and finished opportunities inside.

Brunson’s playmaking has improved over the past two games. He’s passing more quickly, which allows for second and third actions from the wings and KAT. But the Captain periodically stalls the offense when he hunts in isolation for too long.

I also have to mention Brunson’s poor defense in this one. It was one of his worst defensive performances of the season.

Karl-Anthony Towns: 30 PTS (11/19 FG, 2/5 3PT, 6/8 FT), 9 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 39 mins

Karl-Anthony Towns dropped another 30 points with ease, beating Myles Turner off the dribble repeatedly. Towns demanded extra attention and punished the defense whenever help wasn’t nearby.

Towns’ gravity shines in matchups like this. Myles Turner’s rim protection has loomed large in previous games against Indiana. But every Knick feasted inside with Turner pulled away from the hoop to stick to Towns.

Towns’ defense was a mixed bag. I liked most of his possessions in the first half and to start the third quarter. He hedged more often and dropped less far in his best defensive moments. But his efficacy faded in the fourth.

OG Anunoby: 25 PTS (9/14 FG, 3/4 3PT, 4/4 FT), 2 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 3 TO in 36 mins

OG Anunoby played great basketball on both ends. He battled and contained Pascal Siakim while hitting his jumpers and finishing opportunities at the rack.

OG looks increasingly more comfortable attacking from the wing. He’s hitting the corner three and attacking off the dribble for buckets and dimes.

Anunoby’s the only defender I give positive credit to in this game.

The only other two players to get significant minutes

Mikal Bridges: 8 PTS (4/11 FG, 0/6 3PT), 4 AST, 7 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 42 mins

Mikal Bridges did a little of everything except hit three-pointers. His best moments came when he posted up undersized defenders and passed to cutters. Bridges might do well to have more opportunities to create off the dribble.

But Bridges’ offensive impact was hampered by poor shooting. He hit his midrange fade-aways, but his catch-and-shoot threes were all bricks.

Bridges also disappointed defensively. He couldn’t contain Tyrese Haliburton and hasn’t found a consistent defensive impact in Thib’s system. He’s chasing star scorers every night, so I’m willing to be patient. But he has to be better for this defense to function.

Deuce McBride: 7 PTS (3/9 FG, 1/5 3PT), 1 AST, 1 REB, 2 STL, 1 TO in 29 mins

Deuce McBride almost didn’t play due to illness. He didn’t look himself in this game. He missed open looks and struggled to keep up with his defensive matchups.

But to his credit, McBride battled despite being under the weather. 

Other Notes

• Jericho Sims is the only other player who got meaningful minutes. He did fine for playing just nine minutes, but if Thibodeau can’t trust him for more than 10 minutes a game, we have a problem.

• It’s impossible to ignore the fact that four of the starters played 39 minutes or more, and the team faded down the stretch. The defensive scheme has bigger problems than fatigued players, but it’s something to monitor.

• Despite shooting 55% from the field, the Knicks were outscored. That’s because they only attempted 25 threes, making just seven. The Pacers made 21 threes, almost as many as New York tried.

Closing Thoughts

We’re almost at the 10-game mark, and the Knicks look decidedly average. They’re 4-5 and still lack an identity.

But I’m happy to see the offense is rolling. This is a Tom Thibodeau-coached team. Thibs spends the early parts of seasons experimenting, but his defense always comes around.

It’s not time to panic, especially when the offense looks unstoppable. Let’s give this group time to figure everything out.

The Sixers are next, and they’re desperate for a win. We’ll discuss it after the action. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!

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