New York Knicks (44-25) beat Indiana Pacers (15-52) 101-92 on the road on Friday, March 13 in a low-scoring game: just 193 combined points between the two teams.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Knicks struck first, taking the opening quarter 24-21 and a 3-point lead after one. The Knicks kept the pressure on with a 32-24 second quarter, carrying a 11-point lead into halftime.
The Pacers won the third 29-20 to stay in front, taking a 2-point lead into the fourth. The Knicks took the fourth 25-18; the Knicks finished the job for a 101-92 regulation win.
What decided it
The Knicks made 21.6 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 13.5 for the Pacers. The Knicks grabbed 22% of their own misses, while the Pacers recovered 14.3%. The points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
At roughly 99 possessions per team, the Knicks produced 102.2 points per 100 possessions to 93.1 for the Pacers.
The Pacers' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 35-15.
Who made the difference
Jalen Brunson was the game's biggest individual force for NYK: 29 pts, 5 reb, 9 ast on 11-25 shooting. His Game Score of 21.1 led everyone. His team was +12 with him on the floor.
Jarace Walker led the Pacers with 18 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast on 6-14 shooting, good for a 12.8 Game Score.
Mitchell Robinson (12 pts, 22 reb, 0 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Knicks about a 83% chance.
Across the last 11 meetings in our records, Indiana Pacers lead 6-5.
The Knicks are now 44-25, and the Pacers are 15-52. The Knicks last five before this game: L-W-L-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.