Knicks Nightmare Gets Worse As Jalen Brunson Fractures Shooting Hand
Knicks faithful are in shambles after a frustrating Game 7 loss Sunday to the Indiana Pacers.
Despite taking an Eastern Conference semifinals lead twice in the series, the second-seeded New York Knicks fell to the sixth-seeded Pacers, driving a devastating blow to a Knicks team riding high expectations.
The Knicks' injury struggles made matters worse. On Sunday, NY superstar Jalen Brunson exited the game early because of injury. Brunson was diagnosed with a fractured left hand, which set the Knicks on a slow-burn demise in the Game 7 blowout, ending in a 130-109 Pacers win.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers smiles during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The series-clinching win was also highlighted by the Pacers' highly-efficient shooting, which saw them shoot close to 70% from the field.
After losing the series lead in Game 6 in Indy, the gritty Knicks team was expected to make a final statement in the Game 7 clash. Unfortunately, Brunson's injury buried the team. New York already dealt with injury issues coming into the contest, rushing back role player O.G. Anunoby after suffering a hamstring injury early in the series. Anunoby played five minutes Sunday, tallying five points.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Rick Pitino and head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers meet after the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 130-109 in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Knicks also suffered injuries with starting guard Josh Hart, who suffered an abdominal injury in Game 6. Hart also appeared off his usual groove, scoring 10 points (3 of 9) in 37 minutes.
Without enough able-bodied players, the Knicks fought hard but couldn't cap the series with victory. The Cinderella Pacers now face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks walks off the court after losing to the Indiana Pacers 130-109 in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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