Jalen Brunson makes Knicks playoff history with Game 2 performance vs. Pacers

Published: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 4:49 am

Brunson's Historic Night Not Enough as Knicks Fall to Pacers in Game 2

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson etched his name further into franchise history during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, but his stellar performance wasn't enough to secure a win. Brunson, already a playoff scoring force since joining the Knicks in 2023, needed just one more 30-point game to surpass legendary Knick Patrick Ewing. He delivered, scoring 36 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing three rebounds in a dominant 39-minute performance.

Brunson's impressive stat line included 13-of-27 shooting from the field, 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. This performance propelled him to the top of the Knicks' playoff record books.

Despite Brunson's heroics, the Knicks ultimately fell to the Pacers with a final score of 114-109. The game was a back-and-forth battle, tied at 81 heading into the fourth quarter. However, Indiana pulled away in the final period, outscoring New York 33-28. The Pacers' hot shooting proved to be a major factor, with Indiana converting 51.8% of their field goals and 43.3% of their three-point attempts. The Knicks, in contrast, shot 47.6% overall and 34.4% from three-point range.

Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby also contributed double-digit scoring performances for the Knicks. The loss puts New York in a 2-0 hole in the series, a tough position after returning to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. The Knicks will look to turn things around in Game 3, which will be played on the road against the Pacers on May 25th at 8 p.m. ET.

BNN's Perspective: While Brunson's individual brilliance is undeniable, the Knicks' struggles highlight the importance of team performance. The Pacers' superior shooting and ability to close out the game expose areas where the Knicks need to improve. The series is far from over, but New York needs to find a way to contain Indiana's offense and support Brunson's scoring with a more consistent team effort.

Keywords: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Finals, Game 2, Patrick Ewing, scoring, assists, rebounds, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, basketball, playoff history, Knicks history, Pacers, NBA, sports, game recap

Full Story