By Chris Robinson

The Indiana Pacers won again at Madison Square Garden, 114-109, defeating the New York Knicks in a more controlled game with 17 lead changes and 17 ties. 

Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was the standout, scoring a playoff career-high 39 points on efficient 15-23 shooting.

Indiana dominated the transition game and maintained composure down the stretch. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points and 11 assists but missed a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds that could have tied the game. 

The Pacers held a late 10-point lead, and despite a Knicks rally to narrow the gap to one point, free throws by Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner sealed the win. Indiana now has six consecutive playoff road wins, while the Knicks are struggling at home with a 3-5 postseason record at the Garden.

The series now shifts to Indiana for Game 3, with the Pacers in a strong position to advance to the NBA Finals.

Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com