With 4:15 remaining in the third quarter, Indiana Pacers took their first lead in game 2 of their second round playoffs against the New York Knicks. Up until that point, the Knicks controlled the game, at one point leading by as much as 13 points. But with pain and grimacing looks on his face, Carmelo Anthony managed to score a few baskets, even a dunk, igniting the rest of his team to follow-suit.With baskets from Smith, Kenyon Martin and Chandler, Knicks ended the quarter on a 10-2 run, to start the fourth quarter leading 72-66.
Pablo Prigioni started the fourth for Carmelo, bringing some much needed energy and defense. He also brought scoring, hitting a three pointer the first time he touched the ball and then a running field goal on the Knicks next possession. The Garden erupted, bringing a decibel level not heard much in the entire game. Prigioni was all over the place, getting rebounds in the paint, bringing up the ball and finding Carmelo on the three point line for a well needed three pointer. The Pacers resorted to being spectators as Melo and the gang went on a 20-0 run, extending the lead to 90 – 66.
With 4:55 remaining in the game, the Knicks brought on the Bench players. Being up 24 points with under 5 minutes remaining is a pretty good place to be, and Melo the rest of the team heard the cheers from the fans for a job well done.
The final score was Knicks 105, Pacers 79.
Pablo Prigioni was definitely the reason the Knicks won this game. He played a total of 21 minutes, but scored the biggest 10 points of the game. He also had 4 rebounds with 1 assist.
Knicks were led by Carmelo with 32 points, followed by Shumpert with 15. Felton had 14, followed by Prigioni and Martin both with 10.
For Indiana, P. George led the way with 20 points, followed by D. West who contributed 13. Hill was the only other Pacer player in double figure with 12 points. Indiana scored only 13 points in the fourth quarter.
Game 3 would be in Indiana on Saturday.
