Pacers Dominate Game 7 with Stellar Shooting and Transition Offense

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ICARO Media Group
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19/05/2024 22h44

In a thrilling Game 7 matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, the Pacers showcased a remarkable performance, resulting in a commanding lead at halftime. The Pacers' shooting proficiency and their unstoppable transition offense took center stage, leaving the Knicks struggling to keep up.

The Pacers' first-half shooting display was nothing short of historic. According to @ESPNStatsInfo, their 76 percent shooting was the best half in a playoff game in the last 25 years. This exceptional shooting performance surpassed the San Antonio Spurs' record from Game 3 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.

Furthermore, the Pacers' transition offense was a force to be reckoned with, averaging an astonishing 2.33 points per play, as reported by Cleaning the Glass. This figure is significantly higher than any other team's transition offense and demonstrates the Pacers' ability to capitalize on fast breaks.

Meanwhile, the Knicks tried to rally back in the third quarter by tightening their defense and increasing ball pressure. Their efforts yielded a 12-5 run, closing the deficit to single digits. However, the Pacers' early lead proved insurmountable, thanks to their dominant rebounding performance. At halftime, Indiana held a 22-13 edge on the boards, which correlated with their 15-point lead on the scoreboard.

Rookie Tyrese Haliburton emerged as a key contributor for the Pacers, delivering an outstanding performance in Game 7. Haliburton's offensive prowess was on full display as he scored 14 points in just three minutes, including three impressive transition 3-pointers. His impact on the game was evident, engaging in some spirited exchanges with a courtside fan, fueling the already intense atmosphere.

On the other side, Jalen Brunson struggled to find his rhythm in the first half, shooting 3-for-10 from the field. Despite his seven assists without a turnover, the Knicks will need more production from Brunson to match the Pacers' offensive firepower and stage a comeback in the second half.

The Pacers' dominance continued throughout the second quarter, with Andrew Nembhard's multiple travels offering a rare moment of respite for the Knicks. Indiana's exceptional on-ball defense, led by Ben Sheppard, stifled the Knicks, resulting in turnovers and easy buckets in the paint.

As the halftime buzzer sounded, the Pacers held a convincing 70-55 lead. Their shooting percentage from the field stood at an outstanding 76.3%, while also converting 66.7% of their shots behind the arc. With an 18-point lead, the Pacers had the Garden crowd silenced, forcing Knicks' coach Tom Thibodeau to call a timeout to regroup.

With the Pacers' remarkable shooting and dominant transition offense, Game 7 was shaping up to be an unforgettable playoff story. However, the Knicks will need to find an answer to the Pacers' overwhelming offensive display if they hope to compete in the second half.

As the game progresses, all eyes will be on the Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton, who could potentially prolong his incredible performance for the remaining 26 minutes. The Pacers' potent offense and stellar shooting make them a formidable opponent that the Knicks will have to work tirelessly to overcome.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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