The New York Knicks suffered a disappointing 130-121 defeat to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the Pacers’ home court, falling behind 3-1 in the series. Jalen Brunson blames Knicks discipline loss as a major factor, highlighting how turnovers and undisciplined play derailed their efforts to even the series. Despite a strong scoring effort from Brunson, the Knicks could not overcome Indiana’s early lead and consistent pressure.
Turnovers and Loss of Momentum Hurt Knicks’ Chances
The Knicks struggled significantly with ball control throughout the game, committing 17 turnovers compared to the Pacers’ 11. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, five assists, and two rebounds, but the team‘s inability to execute their game plan hurt their chances. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense expertly, recording 12 assists without a single turnover, helping the Pacers maintain a steady lead after a strong first quarter.
Brunson acknowledged the team‘s failure to maintain discipline on the court after the game, taking responsibility both personally and as the team’s leader. He pointed out the necessity of sticking to the game plan and avoiding careless mistakes, emphasizing the clear difference discipline makes in the outcome.
I know this is a copycat league, but a lot of teams have different identities. And so obviously their identity is playing fast, make or miss, run the floor, and we just got to follow our game plan discipline. And we weren’t disciplined tonight, I wasn’t disciplined tonight, we just got to be smarter, I got to be smarter, it’s really that black and white.
—Jalen Brunson, Knicks leader
Josh Hart Takes Responsibility After Multiple Turnovers
Josh Hart’s performance also reflected the Knicks’ turnover troubles, as he was responsible for five turnovers himself. Hart admitted that his mistakes contributed directly to the Pacers’ ability to convert turnovers into points and disrupt the Knicks’ rhythm. The turnovers shifted momentum heavily in Indiana’s favor, making it difficult for New York to recover despite their efforts.
It’s tough to win against a team like that that turns those turnovers into points. You know, I had like four or five, it’s just his bad, just stupid turnovers, you know that you can’t have that leads to easy baskets and leaves the momentum. So, we had to be more careful with the ball, no started with myself, and you know we know we got to do that.
—Josh Hart, Knicks guard
My turnovers definitely killed the momentum,
Hart added.
That’s a tough pill to swallow.
—Josh Hart, Knicks guard
Lineup Challenges and Fouling Out Hampered Knicks Late in Game
Besides turnovers, the Knicks faced additional obstacles involving their starting lineup. While the previous game proved successful with Hart starting, in Game 4 it became clear that his presence is crucial for both offense and defense. Pascal Siakam capitalized on mismatches, scoring 30 points against starter Robinson, who struggled with a -20 plus-minus rating. Siakam’s dominant performance stressed the Knicks’ defense and affected their stability on the floor.
In the closing minutes, with the Knicks trailing by just seven points and still in striking distance, Hart fouled out. His absence was felt keenly on defense during a critical stretch, making it harder for New York to mount a comeback. The combination of turnovers, lineup struggles, and loss of defensive presence contributed directly to the Knicks’ failure to win on the road.
Haliburton Addresses Misconceptions Regarding His Father’s Attendance
On the Pacers’ side, Tyrese Haliburton continued to demonstrate his importance to the team with an efficient, turnover-free game. Outside of basketball, Haliburton recently addressed rumors about his father not attending any Pacers’ playoff games. He clarified the situation to clear up misunderstandings, emphasizing that his father was not in jail as some reports suggested, putting those rumors to rest amid the team’s playoff run.