Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, Hart Hyped by NBA Fans After Game 1 Win vs. Haliburton, Pacers

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers fought a tough battle in Monday’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but Jalen Brunson continued his scorching run to help the Knicks secure a 121-117 victory.

Brunson scored 21 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter and found Donte DiVincenzo for a go-ahead three-pointer with 39.4 seconds left to propel New York past Indiana in front of a frenzied crowd at Madison Square Garden. He has now scored at least 40 points in four straight playoff games, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to accomplish that feat.

In addition to Brunson’s strong game, DiVincenzo finished with 25 points and Josh Hart stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block. Hart made hustle plays throughout the night that kept the Knicks in the game. The “Villanova 3” combined for 33 of New York’s 39 points in the fourth quarter.

Both the Knicks and Pacers put on incredible displays of offense. New York shot 53.7 percent from the field while Indiana connected on 52.3 percent of its field goals.

The Pacers had six players score in double figures, led by Myles Turner’s 23 points. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton had an unforgettable game, finishing with just six points and eight assists.

Fans on social media were impressed by the performances of Brunson and Hart as they spearheaded a Game 1 victory for the Knicks on Monday:

The Knicks put a heavy burden on their starters, as the Pacers bench outscored theirs 46-3. However, Brunson has proven to be unstoppable during his current hot streak, and his teammates like Hart and DiVincenzo have followed his example.

New York and Indiana will return to action for Game 2 on Wednesday.