New York Knicks Escape Game 1 Thanks to Controversial Finish
The Knicks needed a controversial finish to go their way in order to hold off a game Indiana Pacers squad 121-117 at the Garden.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers go after a loose ball during the second half in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)The New York Knicks are thanking their lucky stars Tuesday morning, after narrowly escaping Game One of the East Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers by the count of 121-117.
For most of the night, the Pacers had the Knicks figured out, at least until some late-game controversy raised its ugly head with Indiana's Aaron Nesmith was called for kick-ball violation, after making what appeared to be a steal with the game knotted up at 115.
The replay showed that the ball appeared to touch Nesmith's hands and not his foot (although it was close).
According to the refs at the time of the play, Indiana could not challenge a kick-ball violation.
Ironically, according to a story on SNY.tv, after the game, "crew chief Zach Zarba admitted that they got the call wrong.
“'On the floor, we felt that would be a kicked ball violation. The postgame review did show that it hit the defender’s hand, which would be legal,' he said."
On the very next play, Donte DiVencenzo nailed a three-pointer to give the Knicks a 118-115 lead, they would never look back.
Five Knicks finished in double-figures with Jalen Brunson again leading the way with 43 points, six assists and six boards.
Josh Hart had 24 points, while Donte DiVencenzio had 25 points for New York.
The big issue was New York's inability to slow down the Pacers offense. Indiana had 46 points off the bench, with ex-Knick Obi Toppin posting 12 points, including a huge slam dunk late in the fourth quarter.
Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam both proved to be handful against the Knicks. Turner finished with 23 points to lead Indiana, while Siakam had 19 points.
After a wild Game One, expect this series to go the distance. Both of these teams can score at will. New York will need to tighten up defensively if they are to put away the Pacers.
