Brunson's 43 Points Lead Knicks to Game 1 Victory

Knicks Secure Home-Court Advantage in Eastern Conference Semis

Pacers Fall in Game 1 Despite Haliburton's 30-Point Performance

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jalen Brunson exploded for 43 points, including several crucial free throws down the stretch, to lead the New York Knicks to a 121-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Knicks, who came into the playoffs as the sixth seed, controlled the game for much of the night, but the Pacers kept it close, trailing by just six points with under two minutes remaining. Brunson, however, sank three free throws with 1:07 remaining and two more with 29 seconds left to seal the win.

Julius Randle also had a strong performance for the Knicks, scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Knicks' defense held the Pacers to just 41.7% shooting from the field, including 32.3% from three-point range.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 30 points, while Myles Turner added 24 and Andrew Nembhard scored 17. The Pacers played without their leading scorer, Domantas Sabonis, who is out indefinitely with a foot injury.

Game 2 of the series will take place on Thursday in New York. The Knicks will aim to take a 2-0 lead in the series, while the Pacers will be desperate to even things up before heading back to Indianapolis.

Conclusion: Brunson's dazzling performance in Game 1 has given the Knicks a major boost of confidence in this highly competitive series. The Pacers, however, proved that they can hang with the Knicks and will undoubtedly give them a tough fight for the rest of the way.