One. More. Win. That’s all it’ll take for the Indiana Pacers to get to their first NBA Finals in over 20 years. Their 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks has them so close, they can nearly taste it.
Tyrese Haliburton ($11,000, 84.5 FPTS) was nothing short of sublime. He became the first player in NBA playoffs history with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists without a turnover. His mastery over the offense steered Indiana to the win. So much for being the most overrated player in the league.
Pascal Siakam ($8,800, 44.25 FPTS) was also crucial to the victory. His 30 points were essential to keeping an edge over the Knicks. Siakam’s two-way play has been vital to the success of these Pacers. An unlikely hero, Bennedict Mathurin ($3,200, 25.5 FPTS) scored 20 points in only 12 minutes of action. Indiana had five different double-digit scorers in the contest. That all-around production is what got the Pacers here, and what will get them to the Finals.
For New York, Jalen Brunson ($11,600, 46.5 FPTS) was the leading scorer as usual. He poured in 31 points, including an electric first half, but it wasn’t enough. Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,600, 44.5 FPTS) did his thing with another playoff double-double. OG Anunoby ($8,000, 38 FPTS) produced as a scorer and defender as well, finishing with 22 points, two blocks and three steals.
Game 5 will be played on Thursday, May 29, in New York. The Knicks will try to stave off elimination at Madison Square Garden, while the Pacers will try to end their season. New York opens as a 4.5-point favorite in the contest with the total at 222.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
