David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images
In a battle between star point guards on Friday night, Jalen Brunson came out on top.
Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 123-98 blowout win over Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, earning a measure of revenge after last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals loss.
New York’s lead guard finished with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists while shooting 10-19 from the field and connecting on three of his five attempts from behind the arc.
The Knicks held a one-point advantage at the end of the first quarter and they were able to extend their lead with a 21-8 run before halftime.
It was a balanced scoring effort from New York, as all five starters scored at least 14 points. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges dropped 21 points and five assists while shooting 66.7 percent from the field.
Fans were impressed with the Knicks’ performance.
Legion Hoops @LegionHoops
Knicks Big 4 in their home debut tonight:
Brunson – 26 PTS, 5 AST, 10/19 FG
Bridges – 21 PTS, 5 AST, 8/12 FG
KAT – 21 PTS, 15 REB, 2/2 3P
Hart – 20 PTS, 10 REB, 8/15 FG
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/O2jfNurHkh
BrunsonMuse @BrunsonMuse
AT THE HALF:
Jalen — KAT —
12 PTS 12 PTS
5 AST 4 REB
3 REB 2/2 3PM
KNICKS UP 16. pic.twitter.com/DvnuGs3AAi
James L. Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Back-to-back 3s from Bridges and Brunson followed by a Bridges transition dunk. Knicks up 30. pic.twitter.com/vQ7ABI4Ryy
Tommy Dee @ThomasCDee
Championship-caliber response #Knicks
It was a quiet night for Haliburton, who was held scoreless in 26 minutes on the floor. He missed all eight of his shot attempts, which included seven threes. Haliburton also recorded five assists.
After a disappointing 23-point loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, the Knicks bounced back to improve to 1-1.
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