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Knicks’ Delon Wright: Rare appearance in Game 1 loss
Wright closed Wednesday’s 138-135 overtime loss to Indiana in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with no counting stats in zero minutes.
Wright made an appearance for just the second time these playoffs due purely to the fact Jalen Brunson was in foul trouble. Despite being a strong defender, Wright has been unable to carve out a consistent role in New York, which certainly isn’t unusual for fringe players under Tom Thibodeau. Barring injuries to others, Wright will likely spend most of his time riding the pine.
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Knicks’ OG Anunoby: Strong two-way performance
Anunoby supplied 16 points (6-15 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals in 42 minutes during Wednesday’s 138-135 overtime loss to the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Anunoby got it done on both ends of the floor, albeit in a losing effort. He has now recorded 10 combined steals and blocks over the past two games, averaging 19.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 2.5 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers during that time. The loss sees the Knicks fall behind 1-0 despite having home-court advantage. Following a devastating defeat, New York must refocus heading into Game 2 Friday.
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Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns: Big-time effort not enough
Towns logged 35 points (11-17 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 9-11 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 39 minutes during Wednesday’s 138-135 overtime loss to the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Towns scored a postseason-high 35 points, adding double-digit rebounds for the eighth time in the past 10 games. While both he and Jalen Brunson did everything they could to get the Knicks over the line, a late flurry by the Pacers proved too much. This will feel like one that got away for New York after having led by double digits during the final quarter. Game 2 will be in New York on Friday, with the Knicks needing to win to avoid trailing 2-0 heading back to Indiana.
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