Knicks Fall to Pacers 106–104 Despite Towns’ Record and Brunson’s 33 Points

The New York Knicks lost 106–104 to the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, falling short on a potential tying shot after another fourth-quarter comeback. Jalen Brunson finished with 33 points and 11 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 23 points and 15 rebounds. Towns recorded his 12th consecutive double-double to begin the season, surpassing Willis Reed for the longest such streak in franchise history. Those individual performances were not enough to overcome Indiana’s interior production, offensive rebounding, and decisive fourth-quarter run. The Knicks dropped to 6–6 following the NBA Cup Group B defeat.

Towns Sets Knicks Record as New York Starts Strong

Towns helped New York establish an early advantage, scoring seven points during a 9–0 run that turned a tied game into an 18–9 lead. He finished the opening quarter with 12 points and three rebounds, providing an aggressive scoring presence around the basket. Mikal Bridges also supplied an encouraging start, contributing six first-quarter points during a much-needed offensive improvement. The Knicks’ momentum weakened after Brunson picked up his second foul and went to the bench. Indiana responded through reserve center Jay Huff, who scored eight quick points, including two three-pointers. New York’s offense then stalled. A prolonged scoring drought allowed the Pacers to move ahead before Towns converted a driving basket and free throw to restore a narrow advantage. The Knicks led 27–26 after one quarter, but their early control had disappeared.

Second-Quarter Struggles Give Indiana the Advantage

The Pacers established separation in the second quarter, combining timely scoring with additional opportunities around the rim. Obi Toppin contributed from the perimeter and in transition, while Ivica Zubac repeatedly challenged New York on the offensive glass. One possession featured three offensive rebounds from Zubac before he finished the play. The free-throw difference also grew sharply. Indiana made 13 of 17 attempts in the quarter; New York went 1-for-2. Mike Brown received a technical foul as the Knicks’ frustration increased. Brunson supplied 11 of New York’s 22 points in the period. Towns added six rebounds but scored only two points, and the Knicks struggled to find consistent offense elsewhere. A late three-pointer from Tyler Kolek, assisted by Brunson, helped reduce the deficit. Indiana nevertheless entered halftime ahead 58–49.

Brunson Leads a Third-Quarter Rally

Brunson took greater control after the break, scoring 16 points and adding four assists in the third quarter. His production initially brought New York within five, but Indiana rebuilt its advantage. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Aaron Nesmith each scored seven points in the period, while Zubac contributed six points and five rebounds. The Knicks eventually answered with their strongest collective stretch of the night. They closed the quarter on a 15–2 run, with Miles McBride making two three-pointers and Landry Shamet adding another. Andre Drummond helped support the comeback with defensive rebounds and a steal. New York had opportunities to move ahead in the closing seconds but could not convert, leaving Indiana with an 85–84 lead entering the fourth.

Pacers’ Fourth-Quarter Run Proves Decisive

The Knicks briefly pulled even at 87 on an OG Anunoby basket, but they could not sustain their momentum. Indiana answered with a 15–2 run, rebuilding a double-digit cushion as New York struggled to protect the ball and generate consistent offense. Andrew Nembhard scored six points in the quarter, and Oubre added five points and two steals. Brunson, who had powered the third-quarter recovery, managed four points in the final period. The Pacers’ work around the basket remained a major factor. Zubac finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds, including nine offensive boards. Indiana outscored New York by 20 points in the paint and held a nine-point advantage in second-chance scoring. Those margins explain why the loss cannot be reduced to the officiating. The Knicks also needed cleaner possessions and more complete defensive stops.

Knicks Get One Final Chance to Force Overtime

Despite the fourth-quarter setback, New York nearly recovered. Brunson’s layup with 26 seconds remaining cut the deficit to four. Pascal Siakam then missed both free throws, and Bridges converted a pull-up jumper to bring the Knicks within 106–104. Anunoby intercepted Siakam’s pass with approximately three seconds left, creating an unexpected opportunity to tie the game. Towns attempted a turnaround jumper from around 15 feet, but the shot missed. Indiana survived the late pressure and secured the victory without Tyrese Haliburton.

Bridges Improves, but New York Needs More Consistency

Bridges finished with 18 points on 12 field-goal attempts, offering a positive response to his recent offensive difficulties. His late basket also helped keep New York’s comeback alive. Other parts of the starting lineup struggled. Anunoby scored 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting, while Josh Hart went scoreless on four attempts. The free-throw totals added another disadvantage: Indiana finished 18-for-25, compared with New York’s 10-for-13. However, the Pacers also earned valuable possessions through their rebounding and pressure on the ball. For the Knicks, the central concern is the repeated need to erase substantial deficits. Their rallies demonstrated offensive capability, but the stretches between those runs left too much ground to recover.

What Comes Next for the Knicks?

New York continues its road trip with a visit to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Towns’ franchise record, Brunson’s scoring and playmaking, and Bridges’ improved production provide encouraging individual developments. Turning those performances into wins will require greater consistency across the full game—particularly on the defensive glass, in the paint, and during possessions when the offense loses its rhythm.