Pacers 121, Knicks 106: Scenes from a loss that happened

Hey all. The New York Knicks returned home to take on the Indiana Pacers. It was their first game at MSG since Christmas, following a punishing six-game road trip. Would the ‘Bockers rediscover some fire and desire with a little bit of home cooking?

LOL, we all know the answer, even if you didn’t watch the game. I did watch the game, and I’m here to tell you that it was every bit the ass-whooping you’ve come to expect when the Knicks take on a clearly superior squad. To their credit, the Knicks kept things close throughout much of the first half. They even took a brief one-point lead in the second quarter, before a 12-0 Pacers run at the end of the frame put them to bed for good. The third and fourth quarters were pretty boring, despite a wacky late-game explosion from the Jekyll-and-Hyde Emmanuel Mudiay (0 points in the first half, 21 in the second).

A couple of notes: Tim Hardaway Jr. left the game with what is being called “hamstring cramping.” Damyean Dotson also left the game with a left leg contusion. Enes Kanter, Frank Ntilikina and Mitchell Robinson all missed the game, so if this keeps up, the Knicks will be seriously shorthanded.

Matt Miranda is on recapping duty. Enjoy your Friday night.