"Whenever you get your butt kicked on national TV in the NBA, it means you have to step it up," said wing Josh Hart, one of four New York starters to finish with 20 points or more. Bridges and Towns had 21 apiece, while floor general Jalen Brunson finished with a game-high 26.
"I loved the way our guys responded. The fight we showed was a lot greater," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. The result was a satisfying one for the Knicks, who, aside from moving past the embarrassing loss to Boston to open the campaign, were also seeking revenge for last season's Game 7 loss to the Pacers.
In particular, the Knicks' wings were aggressive with Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton, holding him scoreless on eight shot attempts. "I just was bad, bro. It happens," Haliburton said.
The reversal from the Knicks' season-opening loss was most apparent on the defensive end. In Boston, they struggled mightily to defend the perimeter. On Friday, New York held the Pacers -- the league's second-best offense last season -- to a dismal 3-of-30 from the arc.
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