Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Hart Hyped by NBA Fans After Game 1 Win ...
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The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers fought a tough battle in Monday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but Jalen Brunson continued his scorching run to help the Knicks secure a 121-117 victory.
Brunson scored 21 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter and found Donte DiVincenzo for a go-ahead three-pointer with 39.4 seconds left to propel New York past Indiana in front of a frenzied crowd at Madison Square Garden. He has now scored at least 40 points in four straight playoff games, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to accomplish that feat.
In addition to Brunson's strong game, DiVincenzo finished with 25 points and Josh Hart stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block. Hart made hustle plays throughout the night that kept the Knicks in the game. The "Villanova 3" combined for 33 of New York's 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Both the Knicks and Pacers put on incredible displays of offense. New York shot 53.7 percent from the field while Indiana connected on 52.3 percent of its field goals.
The Pacers had six players score in double figures, led by Myles Turner's 23 points. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton had a forgettable game, finishing with just six points and eight assists.
Fans on social media were impressed by the performances of Brunson and Hart as they spearheaded a Game 1 victory for the Knicks on Monday:
Jalen Brunson is the first player since Michael Jordan to score 40+ PTS in 4 consecutive playoff games.<br><br>Historical Greatness. <a href="https://t.co/ioV4MvNCP7">pic.twitter.com/ioV4MvNCP7</a>
Jalen Brunson has 40+ points for the 4th straight playoff game. The 5th game he had only 39.
Josh Hart in 48 minutes:<br><br>24 PTS<br>13 REB<br>8 AST<br>9-13 FG <br><br>Only Jokic has more rebounds + assists this playoffs. <a href="https://t.co/aUmHJOQHzH">https://t.co/aUmHJOQHzH</a>
Jalen Brunson when Team USA picked Tyrese Haliburton over him <a href="https://t.co/sT76hbbzEL">pic.twitter.com/sT76hbbzEL</a>
Josh Hart this game <a href="https://t.co/g2DkYKrlca">pic.twitter.com/g2DkYKrlca</a>
Jalen Brunson has become the 10th player ever to have 200+ points over a 5 game postseason span, joining these legends:<br>LeBron<br>MJ<br>Wilt<br>West<br>Elgin<br>Barry<br>KD<br>AI<br>King<br><br>Truly unreal & historic tear he's on.
I don't think Josh Hart is physically capable of getting tired I've never seen him not move at 110% speed
With 10:17 on the clock, the Pacers led 94-85. From there, it was 36-23 Knicks. Jalen Brunson scores 12 of New York's final 17 points and Donte DiVincenzo comes up clutch yet again. Against Tom Thibodeau's team, it's not over until the final buzzer sounds. Knicks are RELENTLESS.
how can you not love watching josh hart play
Josh Hart isn't a human being.<br><br>He's a machine that runs off Mike and Ike's.<br><br>That's the only possible explanation for how's he's able to play every minute of every game and never look the least bit tired
Josh Hart is unreal. It's like he becomes stronger in Madison Square Garden. He gets a boost in all of his attributes, especially aggression.
Brunson is unreal!! Another 40 game. I love this team, such a gritty team that plays like a New York team should. Go New York, Go New York Go!!
The Knicks put a heavy burden on their starters, as the Pacers bench outscored theirs 46-3. However, Brunson has proved to be unstoppable during his current hot streak, and his teammates like Hart and DiVincenzo have followed his example.
New York and Indiana will return to action for Game 2 on Wednesday.
