Knicks' Jalen Brunson Calls Losing in Playoffs 'Worst Thing Ever' After Pacers' Win
New York Knicks superstar guard Jalen Brunson provided some insight into his psyche following the Knicks' shocking overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night.
After experiencing his team blowing a late lead in a 138-135 loss, Brunson told reporters: "In the playoffs, when you win, it's the best thing ever. When you lose, it's the worst thing ever."
The Knicks appeared to be cruising to a Game 1 victory, as they led by 11 points with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and by eight points with about 41 seconds left.
However, the Pacers staged a furious comeback when Aaron Nesmith knocked down a pair of three-pointers and two free throws, and Tyrese Haliburton delivered another all-time moment by hitting the game-tying shot as time expired.
The Knicks bounced back and led 135-134 with 30 seconds left in overtime, but the Pacers scored the final four unanswered points off an Andrew Nembhard layup and Obi Toppin dunk to complete the comeback.
Knicks fans were undoubtedly left in shock and searching for answers after the heartbreaking loss. Forward Josh Hart provided some clarity regarding what happened, saying: "Defensively, we let off the gas. The intensity and physicality weren't there. Offensively, we were playing slower, and more stagnant. It looked like we were playing not to lose."
The Knicks' superstars came to play, as Brunson led all scorers with 43 points on 15-of-25 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points on 11-of-17 shooting to go along with 12 rebounds.
However, the Knicks were careless with the ball, turning it over 15 times in total compared to just seven for Indiana. Brunson committed seven turnovers on his own.
On top of that, the Pacers came through with big shots from Nesmith and Haliburton in the clutch, which has become commonplace for Indiana during the postseason.
The Pacers are on one of the most improbable runs in NBA playoff history. They've had four comebacks of at least 17 points, which is the most of any team in a single postseason since 1988, and three wins in games in which they trailed by at least seven points in the final minute.
New York fell victim to one of those comebacks Wednesday night, putting the team on its heels entering Game 2.
Despite the loss in Game 1, there are plenty of positives to build upon, including the performances by Brunson and Towns, and the fact that the Knicks shot 51.1 percent as a team.
If the Knicks turn in a similar performance in Friday's Game 2 and couple it with greater attention to detail in the closing minutes, they should have a strong chance to head to Indianapolis with the series tied 1-1.
