BRIAN MAHONEY Basketball Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Knicks outlast Nuggets 134-127 in 2 OTs for their eighth straight victory as Brunson scores 42

February 4, 2026

Jalen Brunson had 42 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, and the New York Knicks outlasted the Denver Nuggets 134-127 in two overtimes for their eighth straight victory. Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 12 rebounds Wednesday night while playing with a bandage over his right eye after he was bloodied in a head-to-head collision in the first quarter. He fouled out in the first overtime, but Brunson took over with 10 points in the second overtime. Jamal Murray scored 39 points for the Nuggets, while Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in his first triple-double since returning from a knee injury last week.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart, left, defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/John Munson)

LeBron James wasn’t thinking about his All-Star streak after being injured to start the season

February 1, 2026

LeBron James being an All-Star was almost a certainty for two decades. This season, it was no sure thing. And for James, who just wanted to get healthy enough to play in real games, it wasn’t a priority. James says Sunday he wasn’t thinking about the All-Star Game after missing the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica. But he has come on strong since turning 41 on Dec. 30 and was selected as a reserve Sunday. That extends his NBA-record streak to 22 consecutive appearances.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, looks to pass the ball around New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, front right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/John Munson)

Knicks beat Lakers 112-100 to spoil LeBron James’ 32nd regular-season game at Madison Square Garden

February 1, 2026

OG Anunoby scored 25 points, Landry Shamet added 23 and the New York Knicks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-100 on Sunday night to spoil LeBron James’ 32nd game at Madison Square Garden. Josh Hart finished with 20 points and Jalen Brunson had 12 points and a season-high 13 assists for the Knicks, who matched a season high with their sixth straight win, most of them coming easily. James finished with 22 points, six assists and five rebounds after being chosen as a reserve earlier Sunday for his NBA-record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection. He fell to 23-9 in the regular season at MSG,

New York Knicks' Landry Shamet smiles after making a three-point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Knicks get back on track with biggest win in their history, beating Brooklyn by 54 points

January 21, 2026

The New York Knicks hadn’t won at all in more than a week. They hadn’t won quite like this in 80 years. The Knicks ended their four-game losing streak Wednesday night with the most lopsided victory in franchise history, beating the Brooklyn Nets 120-66. The Knicks had lost nine of their previous 11 games and were just two days removed from the low point of their season. They trailed by 30 points in the first half Monday at home against Dallas, booed repeatedly in their 114-97 loss. The 54-point victory surpassed three 48-point wins they had they stood as the previous franchise record.

New York Knicks' Landry Shamet (44) passes away from Brooklyn Nets' Nic Claxton (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Knicks crush Nets 120-66 to end their 4-game skid with the most lopsided win in franchise history

January 21, 2026

The New York Knicks broke a four-game losing streak without breaking a sweat, crushing the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on Wednesday night in the most lopsided victory in franchise history. Jalen Brunson scored 20 points and Landry Shamet was 6 for 6 on 3-pointers and added 18 for the Knicks, who led by as much as 59 points before the 54-point victory that surpassed the previous largest victory margin of 48 points. The Knicks had lost nine of their last 11 games. The Knicks were already on track to win this one easily before outscoring the Nets 16-0 to open the fourth quarter, extending a 32-point lead to 104-56.

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson (11) defends the ball from Dallas Mavericks' Caleb Martin (16) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Knicks are blown out, booed and losing control of a season with championship aspirations

January 19, 2026

Knicks coach Mike Brown decided not to talk about basketball adjustments at halftime of a game his team had trailed by 30. His message might have been hard to hear, anyway, above all the booing. Fans at Madison Square Garden showed Monday they were fed up with a team that’s lost control of a season which had championship aspirations. The Knicks have gone from NBA Cup champions to not even being able to rule out the play-in tournament with a January freefall, losing for the ninth time in 11 games with their 114-97 loss to the Mavericks.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) gestures after scoring a 3-point basket against the LA Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Towns bounces back with strong game as the Knicks beat the Clippers 123-111 to snap a 4-game skid

January 7, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points, 11 rebounds and a season-high seven assists, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and the New York Knicks snapped their four-game losing streak with a 123-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Towns bounced back from a miserable game Monday in Detroit, when he had just six points and six turnovers in the Knicks’ 121-90 loss that gave them their longest losing streak of the season. OG Anunoby added 20 points and Deuce McBride had 16 for the Knicks. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points for the Clippers, who lost for just the second time in nine games.

Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman gestures in the second half of an NBA basketball against the Cleveland Cavaliers game Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun return to a Nuggets team needing healthy bodies after Jokic’s loss

January 4, 2026

Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are returning from lengthy injury absences Sunday in Brooklyn, bringing good news to a Denver team desperate for healthy bodies after the loss of Nikola Jokic. Coach David Adelman said both players showed improvements in recent days and would test themselves during warmups. The Nuggets then said both players were available. Gordon has missed the last 19 games with a strained right hamstring. The starting forward hasn’t played since a brief appearance on Nov. 21. Braun started the first 11 games of the season before spraining his left ankle. He hasn’t played since Nov. 12.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) handles the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Durant has been hurt the way Jokic was. He hopes the Nuggets star doesn’t also become ‘injury prone’

January 1, 2026

Kevin Durant left what ended up being his final game with the Brooklyn Nets after getting hurt similar to the way Nikola Jokic just was. In fact, Durant missed time two seasons in a row with a knee injury caused when someone fell into his leg. Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, was hurt Monday night in Miami when Denver teammate Spencer Jones stepped on the center’s left foot and his knee buckled. Durant sprained his left knee in January 2022 when a teammate fell into his knee. Durant then sprained his right knee in a Jan. 8, 2023, game when then-Heat star Jimmy Butler fell backward into him.

Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) defends against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Durant and Thompson lead the Rockets past the Nets 120-96 for their 4th straight victory

January 1, 2026

Kevin Durant had 22 points and a season-high 11 assists, Amen Thompson scored 23 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Brooklyn Nets 120-96 for their fourth straight victory. Alperen Sengun had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists after a two-game absence for the Rockets, who started fast in both halves to win in Brooklyn for the first time in seven years. Tari Eason finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard each scored 14 points. Cam Thomas scored 21 points for the Nets, who dropped their second straight.

New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) reacts after scoring a three point goal during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Tyler Kolek chases down Donovan Mitchell for a block and helps the Knicks catch the Cavaliers

December 25, 2025

Tyler Kolek sprinted back to chase down Donovan Mitchell and had enough energy left to gloat about his defensive stop afterward. Kolek told Mitchell that he had blocked his shot cleanly. He was right. A replay review turned what was originally called a foul into a block with 1:45 remaining, one of Kolek’s pivotal plays on Christmas Day that had fans chanting his name inside Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks rallied to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) blocks Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Brunson and the reserves lead a Christmas comeback as the Knicks beat the Cavaliers 126-124

December 25, 2025

Jalen Brunson scored 34 points, reserve Jordan Clarkson had 25 and the New York Knicks came from 17 down in the fourth quarter to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124 on Thursday and win on Christmas Day for the third straight year. Reserves Tyler Kolek and Mitchell Robinson sparked the Christmas comeback after the Cavaliers led 103-86 early in the fourth quarter. Kolek had 16 points and nine assists, and had fans chanting his name after a late block on Donovan Mitchell that was originally called a foul by overturned on review. Robinson finished with 13 boards. Mitchell had 34 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates with teammates after his team's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup championship basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Knicks celebrate their NBA Cup title, even though they aren’t commemorating it with a banner

December 19, 2025

The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA Cup championship Friday night, even though they aren’t commemorating it with a banner at Madison Square Garden. As players lined the court before the playing of the national anthem ahead of their game against Philadelphia, highlights from the Knicks’ victories during their march to the championship played on the overhead scoreboard. After the final one, from their victory over San Antonio in the final on Tuesday, the public address announcer asked fans to join in congratulating the team for its achievement. Fans responded with a standing ovation.

Knicks won’t hang an NBA Cup championship banner at Madison Square Garden, AP source says

December 17, 2025

A person with knowledge of the decision says the New York Knicks won’t raise a banner at Madison Square Garden to commemorate their NBA Cup championship. The Knicks do plan to celebrate the title in front of their fans Friday, when they play their first home game since winning the championship Tuesday night in Las Vegas. But they won’t join the previous winners of the Cup in marking the achievement with a banner, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because there was no public announcement. The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks both hung banners after winning the NBA Cup.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, left, shoots over Utah Jazz defenders during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Knicks jump out to a 23-0 lead over the Jazz, largest in the NBA since detailed play-by-play began

December 5, 2025

The New York Knicks jumped on the Utah Jazz with a 23-0 lead Friday night, the largest game-opening run in the NBA since the league began keeping detailed play-by-play for all four quarters. The Knicks pitched a shutout for half the first quarter and led by 28 by the time it was over. Karl-Anthony Towns opened the scoring with a 3-pointer and when Jalen Brunson made one midway through the period, the Knicks had scored the first 23 points. That was the most one team had before the other scored since the NBA began keeping detailed play-by-play for the entire game in 1997. The Jazz missed their first 12 shots.

New York Knicks Head Coach Mike Brown, center, talks to his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Mike Brown gets a win and a hug from Spike Lee in his first game as Knicks coach

October 22, 2025

Mike Brown got a hug before his first game from Spike Lee, who was dressed in an orange-and-blue suit. Brown said he asked, “Spike, do you know who I am?” Brown is the guy the New York Knicks are counting on to take them across the finish line after Tom Thibodeau got them all the way there. So of course Lee, one of the Knicks’ most famous fans, and just about everyone else in the building knew the coach. And they had to be happy with what they saw after the Knicks opened the season with a 119-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks prior to Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Silver says WNBA deal will get done, but relationship issues with the players must be repaired

October 6, 2025

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says a new collective bargaining agreement with WNBA players will be reached, but acknowledged relationship issues that must be repaired following recent criticisms of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Those reached a high point last week when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier said the league had the “worst leadership in the world,” and they have threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix that began days afterward. Silver says the WNBA is “going through growing pains” and has issues that have to be addressed that aren’t just economic.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard speaks during the NBA basketball team's media day Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

NBA won’t move All-Star Game out of LA as it investigates Clippers over Kawhi Leonard deal

October 6, 2025

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says there is “no contemplation” of moving the All-Star Game out of the Los Angeles Clippers’ home arena as it investigates whether the team circumvented salary cap rules in regards to Kawhi Leonard. The league said it was opening the investigation last month. But no matter the findings, the NBA’s midseason festivities at Intuit Dome won’t be affected. Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season. The All-Star Game will be televised by NBC on Feb. 15.

FILE - Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown is pictured in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Oct. 15, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps, File)

Mike Brown is excited about the potential and the pressure of being Knicks coach

July 8, 2025

Mike Brown knows there’s going to be pressure that comes with coaching the Knicks. He also knows there’s a great roster and great restaurants waiting in New York. He’s excited about all of it. The new Knicks coach shook off any concerns about taking over a team that fired Tom Thibodeau despite getting two wins from the NBA Finals, pointing to the positives Tuesday that made him want the job. Brown was hired a little more than a month after the Knicks surprisingly fired Thibodeau despite getting to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

New York Knicks hire Mike Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year

July 7, 2025

The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks offered the job to Brown last week and announced Monday that he would be taking over the team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 25 years. They decided to fire Thibodeau despite that and eventually picked Brown, who wasn’t out of work long after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings during last season. Brown had led the Kings to the postseason in 2023 and was voted the Coach of the Year.

Egor Demin celebrates after being selected eighth by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

From Russia to Israel: Meet the Nets’ new international draft class

July 1, 2025

The Brooklyn Nets had five first-round picks in the NBA draft and they went around the globe to find the players for them. The new players were introduced Tuesday at the Nets’ practice facility. The class includes No. 8 pick Egor Demin, a Russian guard who spent a season at BYU; No. 19 Nolan Traore of France; No. 26 Ben Saraf from Israel; No. 27 Danny Wolf from Michigan and No. 22 Drake Powell from North Carolina, whose rights Brooklyn acquired from Atlanta in a trade that still must be completed.

FILE - Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming plays during an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

NBA draft resumes with trades, early selections of All-Americans Broome and Kalkbrenner

June 26, 2025

The NBA draft resumed with a trade and the deals appeared likely to continue throughout the second round. The Phoenix Suns opened it by taking Rasheer Fleming after agreeing to acquire the pick earlier Thursday from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves still made the No. 31 pick, but Phoenix and Minnesota had worked out the swap a few hours earlier, a person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not officially announced. Among the familiar names going early in the second round were Auburn All-American Johni Broome to Philadelphia at No. 35, one pick after Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner.

FILE - Duke forward Cooper Flagg celebrates after scoring against the Houston during the second half in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Cooper Flagg set to become Mavericks’ new main man as the expected No. 1 pick in NBA draft

June 24, 2025

Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates were together celebrating a victory over North Carolina the night of Feb. 1 when one of them saw the news that had rocked the basketball world. The Dallas Mavericks were trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg says they were all in shock. Now Flagg is set to take Doncic’s place as the franchise superstar in Dallas. He is expected to be selected by the Mavericks with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday night after a sensational one-season stopover with the Blue Devils.

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau yells from the sideline during the first half of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Knicks denied permission to interview Kidd, Udoka and Finch in coaching search, AP sources say

June 11, 2025

The New York Knicks have been denied permission to speak with coaches Jason Kidd of Dallas, Ime Udoka of Houston and Chris Finch of Minnesota in a slow start to find Tom Thibodeau’s replacement. All three coaches are under contract and two people with knowledge of the details say their organizations declined to make them available for interviews with the Knicks. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the interview process was to remain private. The Knicks fired Thibodeau on June 3, despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau talks with players during a break in play against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Knicks shed stability of Thibodeau era by seeking a new coach after they had gotten good

June 4, 2025

Tom Thibodeau’s firing brought back some of the confusion and chaos the New York Knicks had seemingly left behind. After an era of stability and more success than they had enjoyed in a quarter of a century, the Knicks opened a coaching search few could have predicted when they fired Thibodeau on Tuesday. Coaching searches weren’t unusual in New York for much of the 2000s, but the Knicks weren’t winning then. This time, they had just reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years before losing to Rick Carlisle’s Pacers, and were an early favorite to do it again next year. So changing course brought swift and strong reaction.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after losing to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The Knicks’ all-in moves didn’t get them all the way there. But they are getting close

June 1, 2025

The New York Knicks went further than they’d gone in 25 years, just not as far as they hoped. They signaled they were serious about making a run at the NBA title when they traded for Mikal Bridges in the summer and then Karl-Anthony Towns in a preseason blockbuster. Their all-in moves just couldn’t get them all the way there. The Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, leaving them without a championship since 1973. But after advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 following consecutive second-round exits, they could at least feel that they are getting closer.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) puts up a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) and guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the third quarter of Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Brunson, Towns carry Knicks to 111-94 victory that cuts Pacers’ series lead to 3-2

May 29, 2025

Jalen Brunson scored 32 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds despite a bruised left knee and the New York Knicks stayed alive in the Eastern Conference finals by beating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 on Thursday night in Game 5. The Knicks won on their home floor for the first time in the series and prevented the Pacers from earning the second NBA Finals trip in franchise history. Indiana will try again Saturday night at home. New York extended its first trip to the conference finals since 2000 and kept alive hopes of becoming the 14th team to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) and guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) celebrate during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Pacers are a win from the NBA Finals and the Knicks need another playoff comeback

May 28, 2025

The Indiana Pacers need just one win to reach the NBA Finals and they already have two of them at Madison Square Garden in this series. They can finish off the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night. Indiana opened a 3-1 lead with a 130-121 victory Tuesday behind Tyrese Haliburton, who had 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds without a turnover. The Pacers have three opportunities to reach the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history. They fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000 in their only time playing for the title.

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) dunks the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the third quarter of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final, Friday, May 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Pacers bring a 2-0 lead over the Knicks home for a sports celebration Sunday in Indiana

May 24, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton smiled widely as he envisioned the scene when the Pacers host Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals to cap a daylong sports celebration in Indiana. The Pacers host the New York Knicks Sunday night, after the Indianapolis 500 is run earlier in the day. The Pacers won both games at Madison Square Garden but things can change quickly. Last year, the Pacers overcame a 2-0 deficit in a series against the Knicks. This time, it’s the Knicks who need to rally. No team has lost the first two games at home in the conference finals and come back to win the series.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts during the third quarter of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final against the New York Knicks, Friday, May 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Pacers take 2-0 lead over Knicks as Pascal Siakam scores 39 points in 114-109 victory

May 23, 2025

Pascal Siakam scored a playoff career-high 39 points, and the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 114-109 for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. Myles Turner added 16 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for the Pacers, who head home halfway to their second trip to the NBA Finals. They lost to the Lakers in 2000 in their only shot at the title. Game 3 is Sunday in Indiana, though the Pacers might prefer to keep it right where it is. They have won six straight road games since falling at Milwaukee in Game 3 of the first round.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) is mobbed by teammates as he makes a choking motion after hitting a shot against the New York Knicks at the end of regulation to tie Game 1 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Haliburton might be seizing reputation as NBA’s top closer like Pacers seized Game 1 from Knicks

May 22, 2025

Jalen Brunson has the award voted to the NBA’s best clutch player and landed the endorsement of Reggie Miller, one of basketball’s famed finishers. He had earned the reputation as the league’s top closer in this postseason. Tyrese Haliburton might be seizing that the same way the Indiana Pacers seized Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals away from the New York Knicks. With three memorable shots in nearly impossible-to-imagine comeback victories, Haliburton has become the heir apparent to Miller as the Pacers’ man of the (last) moment and has them three wins from the NBA Finals. Game 2 is Friday night.

Pacers tie it on Haliburton’s jumper at buzzer, then beat Knicks 138-135 in OT of East finals Game 1

May 21, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton tied it with a long jumper that bounced high off the back of the rim and in as time expired in regulation, then the Indiana Pacers went on to finish off their stunning rally by beating the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks led by 14 points with under 3 minutes remaining in regulation, but Aaron Nesmith brought the Pacers back with a flurry of late 3-pointers. Haliburton hoped he had won it with another, but replay confirmed his toe was on the line and it was a 2-pointer that tied it at 125. Andrew Nembhard eventually made the go-ahead basket with 26 seconds remaining in OT.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) makes a choke motion towards the New York Knicks after hitting a shot at the end of the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Choke! Haliburton brings back memory of Pacers’ postseason past in front of Reggie Miller

May 21, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton was waiting for the right time to bring back Reggie Miller’s choke signal from the Pacers’ postseason past. A big shot at Madison Square Garden with Miller in the building seemed perfect — even though his celebration turned out to be premature. Haliburton ran toward the crowd along the sideline with his hands around his neck after hitting a long jumper as time expired in regulation Wednesday night. He hoped it was a 3-pointer to beat the New York Knicks, but video replay showed that his toe was on the line and it was a 2 that had tied the game. The Pacers went on to win 138-135 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

FILE - New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives past Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the second half of Game 3 in an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Friday, May 10, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Knicks and Pacers set for Round 9 in their playoff rivalry, with the winner going to the NBA Finals

May 20, 2025

When Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton glared at each other in a WWE wrestling ring last summer, it seemed like a fitting next step in the rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks that’s already featured headbutts and chokes. The teams go at it again starting Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Knicks’ first trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 25 years, with the winner of their ninth playoff matchup headed to the NBA Finals. The Knicks and Pacers met six times in an eight-year span starting in 1993, then again last year when Indiana won Game 7 at Madison Square Garden in the second round.

BRIAN MAHONEY Basketball Writer.