Knicks Gets Dominated in the Paint by the Pacers in Lopsided Loss

The Indiana Pacers took on the New York Knicks Wednesday night, Indiana looked sharp despite news of current Pacer/former-Knick Chris Copeland getting stabbed at 1 OAK Club earlier in the morning.

The Pacers dominated the Knicks in the paint early and often. Indiana first six made field goals came from the painted area, not until the 4:19 mark of the first quarter was Indiana finally forced to convert on an outside jumper. George Hill 13 feet jumper allowed Indiana to double-up on New York on the scoreboard 16-8. Indiana scored 16 points in the paint in the first quarter, and lead by as many as 13 points.

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Roy Hibbert dominated New York early, and not just on the offensive end. Hibbert not only scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the first quarter alone, but was deterring the Knicks from getting any baskets around the paint. With Hibbert anchoring the Pacers’ defense, Indiana is one of the most stingiest defense in the league, a top six in points allowed by opponents at 97.1 points per game, and a to top three in opponent field goal percentage at 43.7%. The Knicks were forced into 25% shooting from the field in the first quarter. Indiana led 26-14 after the opening period.

Paul George returned this past Sunday, and despite being one of the key players to eliminate the New York from the Playoffs in 2013, George walked onto the court to cheers. Who says New Yorkers aren’t classy!?

George started an 8-2 run early in the second quarter with a four-point play. Quincy Acy pushed screener Luis Scola right into George, somehow George maintained his concentration and follow through making the shot. The run gave Indiana a 34-18 lead with 9:10 remaining in the second quarter.

New York continued to get dominated in the paint by Indiana; the Pacers added another 14 points in the paint in the second quarter. Indiana shot a scorching 60% from the field in the quarter, while continuing to hound the Knicks defensively, forcing 38.1% shooting from the field. Andrea Bargnani led New York in scoring in the first half, scoring ten points on nine attempts. Bargnani had the worst +/- in the game at halftime with a -15. New York faced a 54-38 deficit going into intermission.

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The third quarter was more of the same from Indiana, the Pacers continued to have their way in the paint. Indiana first eight made field goals in the second half were all in the paint. Another Hill outside jump shot again broke the streak in the paint; Hill had his way with the Knicks, scoring from inside and outside. Hill scored ten of his 20 points in the third quarter, finishing the game with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assist, and 3 steals.

Indiana scored another 18 points in the paint in the third quarter; the Pacers pushed their lead up to as many as 28 points in the period, which was the largest lead in the game. New York entered the fourth quarter facing an 83-55 deficit… the final period was essentially garbage time… The Pacers went on to win 102-86.

Indiana scored 50 points in the paint when it was all said and done. Indiana is the second worst team in the league at points in the paint (Knicks are the worst…of course…) as per NBA.com, but did not look like it Wednesday night. New York’s poor defense made the Pacers look like offensive juggernauts in the paint, for one night at least… Indiana stifled New York 34.5% shooting from the field for the game. Langston Galloway led the Knicks in scoring with 19 points.

The Pacers, who entered the night 1.5 games behind the eighth seeded Boston Celtics, looked like a team that desperately wanted/needed to win, and got it. The Knicks, who entered the game as the worst team in the league, needing a loss, looking to gain as much ping pong balls as possible for the chance at the number one overall pick, got that too. Overall a win-win night for both teams.