New York Knicks Survive the Indiana Pacers on the Road, 101-92
The New York Knicks faced off against the Indiana Pacers last night, March 13, 2026, in Indiana, and it was nothing short of entertaining as predicted. The injury-riddled Pacers (15-51) came out swinging with no indication that they are dead last in the Eastern Conference standings with no playoff potential. After losing to the Pacers in their last matchup, 137-134, the Knicks (42-25) were looking to make a statement, and that’s exactly what they did.
The Rivalry That Won’t Die
The Knicks and the Pacers have been intense rivals for over 30 years, with their rivalry peaking through intense playoff matchups starting as early as 1993, and continuing even into last night’s game. When these two teams face each other, the battle is nothing short of epic. As in their two previous matchups, both teams came out swinging on both ends of the court.
The Knicks dominated the majority of the game, led by their leading scorer Jalen Brunson, who finished the game with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. Close behind him was OG Anunoby, who finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns were both out due to injuries, which gave Mitchell Robinson and other bench players some minutes. Robinson had a career-high 22 rebounds to go with 12 points in 31 minutes of play.
Pacers Refused To Lay Down
With the Pacers’ star player, Tyrese Haliburton, down this season with a torn Achilles tendon, they have had to look to other players to share the load. Andrew Nembhard has been carrying that load for the team so far this season, along with Pascal Siakam.
Due to injury, Siakim did not play last night, which made room for Jarace Walker. Walker scored 18 points and had 9 rebounds to lead the Pacers. Aaron Nesmith was listed as questionable for last night’s game due to right ankle management. He was able to play and recorded 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, only shooting one of five from three-point range.
Ivica Zubac added 11 points and 8 rebounds in his second game as a Pacer since being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers back in February.
Knicks Pull Away In the Fourth
It took all four quarters, but eventually the Knicks were able to pull away from the Pacers. The Pacers rallied from a 14-point, third-quarter deficit to take a 74-73 lead, when Nesmith beat the shot clock, draining a three with only seven seconds left in the quarter. Jordan Clarkson then beat the buzzer for the third quarter with his own three that withstood a replay review, giving the Knicks a 76-74 lead.
When the Knicks opened an 83-77 lead early in the fourth quarter, it looked like they might finally pull away from the Pacers. On two made free throws from Walker with 2:56 left in the game, the Pacers were able to bring the deficit to within two points. All of a sudden, the Knicks let off seven straight points to close out the victory.
FAQ Section
Q: What was the final score?
A: 101-92
Q: Who was the MVP of the game?
A: Jalen Brunson
Q: What was the turning point?
A: Jordan Clarkson hits a three to beat the buzzer at the end of the third quarter to give the Knicks the lead, 76-74.
What’s Next For Each Team?
The Knicks are fighting to earn a top-four seed and home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. As for the Pacers, they will be looking to get healthy and make preparations for next year’s season when Haliburton returns. The Knicks will face off against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, and the Pacers will play the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday as well.
