Knicks' NBA Cup Hopes Dented After Loss to Pacers

The New York Knicks faced a significant setback in the NBA Cup group stage, falling 106-104 to the Indiana Pacers. This loss makes it highly improbable for the Knicks, last year's champions, to advance to the knockout rounds, as they remain winless in the tournament.

Highlights

• The New York Knicks suffered a 106-104 defeat against the Indiana Pacers, starting their NBA Cup campaign with an 0-2 record.
• Despite being mathematically not eliminated, no team in the previous three editions of the Cup has reached the knockout rounds after losing two group stage games.
• Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 19 points, while Jalen Brunson posted 33 points and 11 assists for the Knicks.
• In other games, the Miami Heat defeated the Cavaliers 133-121, and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Warriors 123-85.

Details

The shorthanded Indiana Pacers, playing without injured star Tyrese Haliburton, managed to hold off the New York Knicks with a 106-104 victory. Pascal Siakam paced the Pacers with 19 points, supported by Aaron Nesmith's 18 and Kelly Oubre Jr.'s 16 points. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson delivered a strong performance with 33 points and 11 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds but missed a potential game-tying shot in the final seconds.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed pride in his team, stating, "Very proud of our team. We were pretty big underdogs coming into this game." The Knicks attempted to erase a 14-point third-quarter deficit but ultimately fell short, as the Pacers pulled away again with a 15-2 scoring run in the fourth quarter.

In other matchups, the Miami Heat secured a 133-121 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo each scoring 37 points. The San Antonio Spurs dominated the Golden State Warriors 123-85. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 32 points, and Victor Wembanyama added 12 points and 12 rebounds. Draymond Green of the Warriors received a flagrant foul for a shove on Wembanyama.

Why it matters

This early stumble for the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup is a significant disappointment, especially after their championship run last year raised expectations. The historical precedent of no team advancing with two group stage losses means the Knicks face an uphill battle in their remaining two games. This highlights the intense competition and impact of the in-season tournament on team dynamics and aspirations.