Though the game itself proved a bit of a dud from a results standpoint, the Indiana Pacers did in fact play basketball tonight, making their preseason debut on the road against the New York Knicks. The typical exhibition opener struggles were on display for the Pacers; clanks galore, step-slow reactions, 16 turnovers, and just general discombobulation.
The Knicks, however, refused to reciprocate those struggles, lighting up the Pacers early and often by attacking in transition, hitting their threes, and playing smart, committing just four turnovers themselves. All of that resulted in a 125-104 Knicks win that was at times didn’t feel that close, as Tom Thibodeau played his rotation guys well into the fourth quarter.