NEW YORK CITY – Coming into Wednesday night’s contest, New York had just snapped a 9 game losing streak. They beat Philadelphia 101-91, last Sunday. This was the 1st time the Knicks scored over 100 points, since a March 17th overtime win over San Antonio. New York was looking to build off that and pick up a win against their bitter rivals, the Indiana Pacers.
Indiana was in the midst of a playoff push for the final spot in the Eastern Conference. They recently got their franchise player, Paul George back. George had missed most of the season due to a broken leg, suffered in a USA blue and white scrimmage back last August.
The Knicks were not able to pick up a win at home, and lost 102-86. Indiana looked like a team on a mission, and determined to not have a let down in the Garden. The Pacers defense held New York to just 34% shooting from the field, and outrebounded the Knicks 54-34. All night the Pacers forced the Knicks to shoot poor shots, and limited their 2nd chances. New York only managed 9 offensive rebounds, and only scored 22 points in the paint.
Offensively the Pacers clicked on all cylinders. They had 6 players score in double figures, led by George Hill (20 points). Roy Hibbert had a strong game, adding a double double (11 points, 11 rebounds) in just 16 minutes of action. Paul George scored 10 points in just 16 minutes. The Pacers are slowly working him back, and George drew applause from the Garden each time he was inserted into the game.
Langston Galloway led the Knicks with 19 points, with a perfect 6-6 from the charity stripe. Andrea Bargnani had a good game, adding 15 points and 6 rebounds. Bargnani in the last 10 games, is averaging 16.0 points and 4.5 rebounds. His recent good play has raised questions about his future with the Knicks next year. It was assumed that he would not be with them next year, due to a lack of productivity mainly from injuries. However, he has remained healthy for the latter part of the season and has been productive. It will be interesting to see what happens with him in the offseason.
New York’s next game will be Friday in the Garden against the Milwaukee Bucks. Right now, the Knicks (15-63) have a one game lead on the Minnesota Timberwolves for worst record in the NBA.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY