The Indiana Pacers scored 74 second-half points to outgun the New York Knicks, 132-121, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Ben Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton were exceptional in the backcourt, combining for 71 points on 24-of-36 shooting, including 11-of-19 from beyond the three-point line. The win got the Pacers to .500 on the year and gives them a leg up in any tiebreaking scenario with the Knicks, who have also been somewhat pedestrian out of the starting blocks.
After the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle began his commentary with a statement on the 17,274 fans who crammed into the building and elevated the atmosphere. Especially those who were on the second leg of a sports doubleheader.
