Pacers End Four-Game Skid with Thrilling Overtime Victory Against Knicks

The Indiana Pacers snapped their four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, outlasting the New York Knicks 137-134 in an overtime thriller at Madison Square Garden. The game featured 39 lead changes, the most in the NBA this season, and showcased the resilience of both teams in a back-and-forth battle that went down to the final seconds.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Andrew Nembhard added 24 points and 10 assists in the winning effort. The Pacers' depth proved crucial, as eight players scored in double figures and the bench outscored New York's reserves 43-18. Quenton Jackson sparked a critical nine-point run to open overtime, giving Indiana the cushion they needed to withstand a furious late rally from the Knicks.

Jalen Brunson carried the scoring load for New York with a game-high 40 points, while Josh Hart recorded an impressive triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns also played a pivotal role, hitting two clutch free throws with just 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime after the Pacers appeared poised to escape with a regulation victory.

The overtime period was a microcosm of the entire contest's intensity. Indiana seized control by scoring the first nine points of the extra frame, building a cushion that seemed insurmountable. However, the Knicks refused to surrender, mounting a frantic comeback that saw them score eight points in just 20 seconds during the final 24.3 seconds of overtime. Despite the late surge, the Pacers held on to secure their first victory since early February.

The dramatic victory provides a much-needed boost for Indiana as they look to regain momentum in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The loss, meanwhile, continues New York's inconsistent stretch and raises questions about their ability to close out tight games against quality opponents. Both teams will look to build on their respective performances as the season enters its crucial final months.

With the win, the Pacers demonstrated the kind of grit and depth that will be essential if they hope to make noise in the postseason. The 39 lead changes serve as a testament to how evenly matched these two teams are, setting the stage for what could be a compelling playoff series if they meet again in April or May.