NBA Cup: Pacers Edge Knicks in Overtime Thriller
Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith combined for 37 points as Indiana held off a late New York surge to win 106-104.
By Julia Wang ·
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 106-104 on Friday night in an NBA Cup matchup that came down to the final possession. Pascal Siakam finished with 19 points, while Aaron Nesmith contributed 18 to secure the win for Indiana.
The game remained tight through the fourth quarter. With 1:49 left, Siakam sank a 15-foot jumper to extend the Indiana lead to 106-98. The Knicks mounted a quick response, as Jalen Brunson’s driving layup reduced the deficit to two points with 26 seconds remaining. Siakam was fouled at the 23-second mark but missed both free throws. Mikal Bridges then scored to make it a two-point game with 10 seconds on the clock.
Indiana committed a turnover with 2.8 seconds left. Karl-Anthony Towns attempted a game-tying 15-foot jumper at the buzzer, but the shot missed, leaving the Pacers with the victory. Brunson led the Knicks with 33 points, while Towns recorded 23 points and 15 rebounds. Bridges added 18 points for New York.
Nesmith played only 21 minutes due to a right knee soreness sustained in Wednesday’s win over Washington. He was declared available earlier on Friday. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 16 points for Indiana, and Ivica Zubac contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Both teams shot 43% from the field. Indiana controlled the glass, holding a 50-43 advantage in rebounds. The Knicks erased a 10-point third-quarter deficit, closing the gap to just one point at 85-84 before the final frame. Indiana converted 18 of 25 free throws, while New York made 10 of 13.
The Knicks travel to Toronto on Sunday. The Pacers head to Philadelphia for their next contest.
