3 Key Knicks Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Pacers

Early on it seemed like the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals was going to be a tough one for the New York Knicks to come back in. Last night, the Indiana Pacers proved to the world that the Knicks are beatable. They almost handed the Knicks their second loss at home during this year's postseason run. Ultimately, New York would win a nail-biter with just 39 seconds to play. It was still a great game to watch due to the hard efforts that were put on display from both teams.

This series between the Knicks and Pacers already feels like one that could go a full seven games. There will be lots of time for adjustments on both sides, and it won't be a surprise for either team to come away with a win in any game.

With so much of the series still to come, here are the key takeaways for Knicks fans from Game 1.

Jalen Brunson is Unstoppable in the Playoffs

Jalen Brunson scored 43 points in Game 1, including 21 in the fourth quarter which fueled the come-from-behind victory. It also marks his fourth consecutive game with 40+ points. Things are clicking for the star at the moment. In addition to those points, he also contributed 6 rebounds and 6 assists, along with a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line Even better, Brunson became the first NBA player since Michael Jordan to ever score 210+ points in any 5-game span during the playoffs.

He states, "the 40 points are cool and all, but it's the little things that help us win games. I'm just happy to have the group of guys that I do. I just know that we're gonna fight every single day. That's all that I'm thinking about".

Winning is all that matters to Brunson at this point. New York hopes that he can continue this trend as they head to game 2 tomorrow night at the Garden.

Pacers Play With Pace

Coming into the series the Pacers looked poised to really test the Knicks, and they proved exactly why in Game 1.

We saw Indiana moving the ball more quickly than the 76ers were in the previous round against the Knicks, which really put the defense to the test. The Pacers lead the postseason in ball movement (397 passes per 24 minutes of possession) and player movement (11.8 miles traveled per 24 minutes of possession).

This is especially tough to deal with for a Knicks team that has already been playing its star players for massive minutes early in the postseason. Finding a way to end this series early could be crucial if the Knicks hope to have enough energy to compete in the next round.

Donte DiVincenzo Continues To Come Through Late For The Knicks

Even with Jalen Brunson carrying the team on his shoulders, it's fair to say that the Knicks wouldn't be this far without the help of Donte DiVincenzo.

Last night he came through in clutch time giving New York the late lead with just 40 seconds left. He finished with 25 points along with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 5-for-9 from the three-point line. He also came through in the clutch defensively. With under 15 seconds remaining, DiVincenzo drew a foul on Myles Turner that proved to seal victory for New York.

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