It wasn’t the right time for the Knicks to have their worst quarter of the season.
The Knicks, who lead the second round of this playoff series 2-1, got off to a bad start in Sunday’s Game 4 against the Pacers in Indianapolis, leading 34-14 at the end of the first quarter. It had been.
Holding a 23-point lead, Indiana was hitting almost everything, while the Knicks were in complete disarray.
The Knicks shot just 6-of-23 in the first 12 minutes, with three of their field goals made by Precious Achiuwa, who started for the second straight game in place of injured OG Anunoby.
Jalen Brunson, who has been dealing with a right foot injury, went 0-of-5 from 3-point range, including a turnover that led to a dunk by Tyrese Haliburton.
He missed one of his two free throw attempts late in the quarter, earning him one point.
Meanwhile, the Pacers made 14 of 23 field goals in the first quarter, and former Nick Obi Toppin hit 3 of 4 off the bench and scored seven points, including a 3-pointer.
Indiana’s bench outscored the Knicks 17-0 in the quarter.
Despite the injuries, the Knicks pushed the Pacers in Game 3, ultimately losing 111-106.
