Drama, was the expected theme as the New York Knicks took on the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 tonight. About 8 minutes into the Game, fans’ expectations were satisfied. During a Knicks possession, a foul was called on Tyrese Halliburton as he attempted to stop Donte DiVincenzo’s layup. Instantly, Donte went to the free throw line, but as he prepared to make his shots, Pascal Siakam was in his way, stalling Donte for a challenge call. And then, things turned dramatic.

A frustrated Donte proceeded to literally shove Siakam to move him out of his way. Looking at this, Siakam threw his arms up at Donte, shoving Isaiah Hartenstein as the officiating tried to prevent this fiasco from escalating further. Subsequently, the players walked off the bench and looked ready to defend their teammates. Simultaneously, the Pacers reviewed the call as assistant coaches and refs moved to stop the brawl.

The foul call by the Pacers was successfully overturned, as Donte and Siakam were awarded double technical fouls.

The Knicks are already struggling with pain, and this technical fouls is only adding fuel to the fire. There’s someone always in pain on the floor. OG Anunoby is currently struggling to run, Josh Hart isn’t too well either. He’s playing with an abdominal strain and then there’s Isaiah Hartenstein who is constantly grabbing his sides. Even Donte couldn’t help but grab at his back often. Nobody from the Knicks side is making it through tonight, rather this playoffs series unharmed. The Pacers are literally ruining all hopes for the New York fans so far in Quarter 2.

The Pacers, on the other hand, made 39 points in the first quarter alone, shooting 16-of-21 from the floor. Ben Sheppard is showing off his incredible skills, defensively speaking. He’s not letting Donte DiVincenzo take over at any given minute. Looking at this, Tom Thibodeau and the entire MSG is in a state of shock, going pin-drop silent. It’s literally a nail-biter.

Knicks and Jalen Brunson are struggling in the first half

Unlike many other nights, Jalen Brunson was a major disappointment in the first half for the Knicks. With approximately 3 minutes remaining on the clock until the end of Quarter 2, Brunson shot a couple of free throws. These were the only few points he took so far in the first half. Brunson even managed to get 7 assists without getting a turnover, but has been struggling to go beyond 8 points on 3-for-10 shooting.

The Pacers are overwhelming him and the entire New York side. Nobody, from OG Anunoby to Jalen Brunson managed to deliver what was promised. Anunoby went off the radar after grabbing the back of his leg just 5 minutes into the game. He was last seen riding a stationary bicycle near the Knicks bench. The only one who brought some form of light to the Knicks’ roster was someone who wasn’t even in their rotation as the series began – Alec Burks. He was swift enough to shoot 9 points, and then adding some more around the foul line to cut the overall deficit to 17. If not for Alec, the Knicks would be hovering around 30 points in the first half.

By half time, the Pacers were 25 points ahead of the Knicks, 70-55. Even though there have been signs of revival from the New York side, they haven’t been able to keep their spirits alive and up. The Pacers firmly controlled the game through and through.