Knicks vs Pacers Match Player Stats & Top Performers 2026 is exactly what NBA fans were searching for after one of the most thrilling matchups of the season.
The New York Knicks hosted the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden, and the result was a heart-pounding overtime-level battle that ended 137-134 in favor of Indiana.
From Jalen Brunson’s 40-point masterpiece to Andrew Nembhard’s double-double floor game, every possession mattered.
The Indiana Pacers edged the New York Knicks 137-134 in a high-scoring, fast-paced clash at Madison Square Garden. Both teams shot efficiently, combining for 271 points in a game that went back and forth across all four quarters.
The Knicks held leads at multiple points but could not hold off Indiana’s relentless bench and three-point shooting. The Pacers shot 40% from three and generated 43 bench points to put the game away.
This contest was one of the highest-scoring regular season games of 2026 and featured three players scoring 22 or more points, including Brunson’s defining 40-point performance for New York.
| Quarter | New York Knicks | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 10 | 13 |
| Q2 | 36 | 31 |
| Q3 | 24 | 31 |
| Q4 | 31 | 30 |
| OT | 33 | 32 |
| Final | 134 | 137 |
The Pacers won the first quarter behind strong perimeter shooting. New York exploded in the second to take a 46-44 halftime lead.
Indiana reclaimed control in the third quarter with a 31-24 run, building a lead that New York battled back from in the fourth. The Pacers held on to win by just 3 points in a game that could have gone either way.
| Stat | New York Knicks | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 134 | 137 |
| Field Goals Made/Att | 50/100 | 50/97 |
| FG% | 50.0% | 51.5% |
| 3-Pointers Made/Att | 14/46 | 18/45 |
| 3P% | 30.4% | 40.0% |
| Free Throws Made/Att | 20/27 | 19/26 |
| FT% | 74.1% | 73.1% |
| Total Rebounds | 57 | 54 |
| Assists | 33 | 30 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Steals | 4 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Points in Paint | 60 | 48 |
| Bench Points | 18 | 43 |
| Fast Break Points | 20 | 9 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 21 | 6 |
| Effective FG% | 57.0% | 60.8% |
| True Shooting % | 59.9% | 63.2% |
The Pacers’ three-point shooting and bench production were the two decisive differences in this game. Indiana’s bench outscored New York’s 43-18, a 25-point swing that proved to be the margin of victory.
Jalen Brunson delivered the performance of the night for the Knicks. He scored 40 points on 15-of-31 shooting, added 8 assists, and drew 8 fouls in 42+ minutes of action.
His 40-point night was a statement game in a rivalry matchup. Brunson’s ability to get to the free throw line, attack the paint, and hit mid-range shots kept New York competitive against a surging Pacers team.
Despite the loss, Brunson’s efficiency rating of 39 was the best on the court all night. His 8 assists against just 1 turnover reflected elite decision-making under pressure.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 40 |
| FG Made/Att | 15/31 |
| FG% | 48.4% |
| 3PM/A | 4/14 |
| 3P% | 28.6% |
| FT Made/Att | 6/8 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Points in Paint | 16 |
| Efficiency Rating | 39 |
| +/- | +3 |
Karl-Anthony Towns was the Knicks’ second-best performer on the night. He recorded a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, doing his most important work on the glass where he grabbed 11 defensive boards.
Towns connected on 8 of 17 field goal attempts and went 5-for-6 from the free throw line. His 14-rebound total represented nearly a quarter of New York’s entire rebounding output.
The concern for KAT was his 5 turnovers, including 4 offensive fouls that disrupted Knicks’ offensive momentum in critical possessions. Despite the giveaways, his interior scoring and rebounding kept New York in the game.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 22 |
| FG Made/Att | 8/17 |
| 3PM/A | 1/6 |
| FT Made/Att | 5/6 |
| Rebounds | 14 |
| Offensive Reb | 3 |
| Defensive Reb | 11 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Turnovers | 5 |
| Efficiency Rating | 20 |
| +/- | +6 |
Mikal Bridges was efficient and versatile for New York. He scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in a well-rounded performance.
Bridges was particularly lethal in transition, converting all 4 of his fast break attempts for 10 fast break points. His 100% fast break shooting was a highlight of his performance.
He shot 60% from the field and was a consistent secondary option behind Brunson all night. His true shooting percentage of 69.3% was the best among Knicks starters.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 22 |
| FG Made/Att | 9/15 |
| 3PM/A | 2/6 |
| FT Made/Att | 2/2 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Fast Break Points | 10 |
| Efficiency Rating | 23 |
| +/- | -5 |
Landry Shamet came off the bench and contributed 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting. He connected on 4 of his 11 three-point attempts and served as New York’s primary perimeter threat from the second unit.
Shamet’s 17-point effort led the Knicks’ bench unit. His ability to space the floor gave Brunson and Towns more room to operate inside.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 17 |
| FG Made/Att | 6/14 |
| 3PM/A | 4/11 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Efficiency Rating | 11 |
| +/- | +1 |
Ariel Hukporti was a productive reserve center for the Knicks. He scored 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting, grabbed 5 rebounds, and recorded 1 block in limited minutes.
Hukporti’s 75% field goal accuracy and 78.8% true shooting percentage showed he was highly efficient with his touches. He gave the Knicks reliable depth behind Towns in the frontcourt.
Jose Alvarado provided 4 points and 5 assists off the bench for New York. His playmaking helped keep the Knicks’ offense moving when Brunson needed a rest.
Alvarado struggled with his shot but his 5 assists and floor-spacing presence gave New York a reliable ball-mover in reserve situations.
| Player | Pos | Pts | Reb | Ast | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | G | 40 | 5 | 8 | 48.4% | 28.6% | +3 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | C | 22 | 14 | 3 | 47.1% | 16.7% | +6 |
| Mikal Bridges | F | 22 | 6 | 3 | 60.0% | 33.3% | -5 |
| Landry Shamet | G | 17 | 2 | 1 | 42.9% | 36.4% | +1 |
| Ariel Hukporti | C | 7 | 5 | 1 | 75.0% | — | -7 |
| Jose Alvarado | G | 4 | 1 | 5 | 20.0% | — | -6 |
| Jordan Clarkson | G | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.0% | — | -4 |
| Mohamed Diawara | F | 3 | 2 | 1 | 50.0% | 50.0% | -17 |
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 30 points and was the most impactful offensive player on the winning side. He scored on 11-of-26 shots, hit 3 three-pointers, drew 10 fouls, and added 4 assists and 3 steals.
Siakam’s 3 steals were a defensive highlight that directly disrupted several Knicks scoring sequences. He was aggressive in transition and created open looks for teammates through his relentless off-ball movement.
His 10 free throw attempts were the most in the game and reflected how much attention he drew when attacking off the dribble. Despite shooting 50% from the free throw line, his overall impact was decisive.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 30 |
| FG Made/Att | 11/26 |
| 3PM/A | 3/10 |
| FT Made/Att | 5/10 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Fouls Drawn | 10 |
| Points in Paint | 12 |
| Efficiency Rating | 31 |
| +/- | -7 |
Andrew Nembhard was Indiana’s floor general and delivered a stellar double-double performance. He scored 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three, while dishing out 10 assists.
Nembhard’s 50% three-point shooting made him the most accurate perimeter scorer in the game from either team. His 10 assists against 3 turnovers gave Indiana a reliable playmaker who kept the offense running smoothly.
His efficiency rating of 29 ranked second among all Pacers. Nembhard’s true shooting percentage of 71.1% was the standout shooting mark of the entire game.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 24 |
| FG Made/Att | 9/16 |
| 3PM/A | 4/8 |
| FT Made/Att | 2/2 |
| Rebounds | 4 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| True Shooting % | 71.1% |
| Efficiency Rating | 29 |
| +/- | 0 |
T.J. McConnell was Indiana’s best bench performer and a key reason the Pacers won the bench battle. He scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting with 3 assists and zero three-point attempts, attacking the basket every time.
McConnell’s 66.7% field goal percentage showed his efficiency as a purely paint-attacking bench guard. His 3 fast break points showed how he pushed pace when given the opportunity.
He was a +3 on the night and gave Indiana bursts of energy that kept the Knicks’ defense scrambling during second-unit stretches.
Jay Huff contributed 10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block off the bench. He hit 1 of 6 three-point attempts and was Indiana’s starting center replacement, providing stretch big production.
His 3 assists from the center position added value to Indiana’s ball movement. Huff’s versatility to space the floor from the five spot stretched the Knicks’ defense throughout his minutes.
Ben Sheppard was quietly one of the Pacers’ most impactful contributors. He scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, grabbed 7 rebounds, and hit 2 of 3 three-pointers.
Sheppard’s true shooting percentage of 100% was the highest of any player in the game. His 7 rebounds, including a season-best 47.8% defensive rebounding rate during his stint, made him a surprising difference-maker.
Aaron Nesmith battled for 11 points and 8 rebounds. He contributed 2 blocks as a physical presence on both ends and converted 2-of-2 free throw attempts in a gritty performance.
Nesmith’s 8 rebounds gave Indiana additional board work beyond their starters. His 2 blocks disrupted New York’s attempts to score in the paint during the second half.
Kobe Brown came off the bench and delivered 8 solid points on 3-of-4 shooting with 6 rebounds. His 82% true shooting percentage and 13 +/- were among the best marks for Indiana’s bench unit.
Brown’s energy and hustle plays gave Indiana momentum during second-unit runs. His +13 was the best on the Pacers roster, making him the most effective rotation player in terms of on-court impact.
| Player | Pos | Pts | Reb | Ast | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | F | 30 | 6 | 4 | 42.3% | 30.0% | -7 |
| Andrew Nembhard | G | 24 | 4 | 10 | 56.3% | 50.0% | 0 |
| T.J. McConnell | G | 13 | 1 | 3 | 66.7% | — | +3 |
| Aaron Nesmith | F | 11 | 8 | 0 | 40.0% | 33.3% | 0 |
| Jay Huff | C | 10 | 2 | 3 | 44.4% | 16.7% | +4 |
| Ben Sheppard | G | 10 | 7 | 2 | 80.0% | 66.7% | +2 |
| Micah Potter | C | 10 | 2 | 3 | 33.3% | 28.6% | +2 |
| Kobe Brown | F | 8 | 6 | 1 | 75.0% | 100.0% | +13 |
| Kam Jones | G | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50.0% | — | -2 |
The bench production gap was the single most decisive factor in this game’s outcome. Indiana’s reserves outscored New York’s bench unit by 25 points, 43-18.
T.J. McConnell, Kobe Brown, Jay Huff, Ben Sheppard, and Micah Potter all contributed double digits or near double digits from the Indiana bench. That collective output gave the Pacers a cushion that the Knicks’ starting five could not entirely overcome.
New York’s bench relied heavily on Landry Shamet’s 17 points, but the supporting cast of Alvarado, Clarkson, Hukporti, and Diawara combined for just 18 points, leaving too much work for Brunson and Towns.
| Team | Bench Points | Bench FG% | Key Bench Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 18 | 38.5% | Landry Shamet (17 pts) |
| Indiana Pacers | 43 | 52.8% | T.J. McConnell (13 pts) |
Three-point shooting was one of the defining statistical differences between the two teams. Indiana shot 40% from beyond the arc on 45 attempts while New York connected on just 30.4% of 46 attempts.
The Pacers made 18 threes overall, creating 54 three-point points compared to New York’s 42. That 12-point gap from beyond the arc proved decisive in a 3-point final margin.
Andrew Nembhard led all players with a 50% three-point rate on 8 attempts. Ben Sheppard was 2-of-3 at 66.7%, and Kobe Brown hit his only three-point attempt at 100%.
| Player | Team | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Nembhard | IND | 4 | 8 | 50.0% |
| Ben Sheppard | IND | 2 | 3 | 66.7% |
| Kobe Brown | IND | 1 | 1 | 100.0% |
| Landry Shamet | NYK | 4 | 11 | 36.4% |
| Jalen Brunson | NYK | 4 | 14 | 28.6% |
| Mikal Bridges | NYK | 2 | 6 | 33.3% |
New York dominated the paint, outscoring Indiana 60-48 inside. The Knicks attempted 47 field goals in the paint compared to Indiana’s 38, reflecting a deliberate game plan to attack the basket aggressively.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the paint anchor for New York with 14 points from inside. Brunson added 16 paint points, using his low-center-of-gravity drives to draw contact and finish through contact.
Despite losing the paint battle, Indiana compensated with better three-point efficiency and a superior bench performance that more than offset New York’s interior edge.
New York won the rebounding battle 57-54, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading all players with 14 boards. The Knicks grabbed 8 offensive rebounds, generating 13 second-chance points that kept several possessions alive.
Ben Sheppard’s 7 rebounds off the Indiana bench was an unexpected contribution. Aaron Nesmith added 8 boards for the Pacers, helping them stay competitive on the glass despite losing the overall rebounding battle.
| Player | Team | Total Reb | Off Reb | Def Reb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 14 | 3 | 11 |
| Aaron Nesmith | IND | 8 | 2 | 6 |
| Ben Sheppard | IND | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Mikal Bridges | NYK | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| Pascal Siakam | IND | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Kobe Brown | IND | 6 | 2 | 4 |
The Knicks led in total assists 33-30, driven largely by Jalen Brunson’s 8 dimes and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 3. New York’s assist total reflected a ball-movement-heavy offensive approach that generated high-percentage looks.
Andrew Nembhard’s 10-assist game for Indiana was the individual highlight of the playmaking category. His ability to set up teammates from the pick-and-roll and in transition gave Indiana a consistent rhythm throughout the game.
| Player | Team | Assists | Turnovers | AST/TO Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Nembhard | IND | 10 | 3 | 3.33 |
| Jalen Brunson | NYK | 8 | 1 | 8.0 |
| Pascal Siakam | IND | 4 | 1 | 4.0 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 3 | 5 | 0.6 |
| Mikal Bridges | NYK | 3 | 1 | 3.0 |
Indiana won the steals battle 6-4, with Pascal Siakam leading all players with 3 steals. His defensive activity in the passing lanes created multiple transition opportunities that the Pacers converted into easy baskets.
Siakam’s 3 steals were directly responsible for at least 6 transition points for Indiana. His ability to combine elite offensive output with high-energy defense on the same night made him the most complete player of the game.
The Knicks’ best defensive moments came from Mikal Bridges, who had 1 steal and 1 block while disrupting several Indiana drives in the first half.
Advanced analytics reveal how efficiently each team and each player performed beyond traditional box score numbers.
Indiana’s offensive rating of 120.77 was higher than New York’s 115.64, explaining the 3-point final margin despite the Knicks shooting the same number of field goals made. The Pacers were simply more efficient with each possession they generated.
The Knicks’ points off turnovers advantage was significant. New York converted 21 points off Indiana’s 11 turnovers, compared to Indiana’s 6 points off New York’s 12. But the Pacers’ three-point volume and bench depth overwhelmed that turnover conversion advantage.
| Metric | Knicks Leader | Pacers Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating | Jalen Brunson (123.5) | Andrew Nembhard (132.7) |
| True Shooting % | Ariel Hukporti (78.8%) | Ben Sheppard (100%) |
| Efficiency Rating | Jalen Brunson (39) | Pascal Siakam (31) |
| +/- Leader | Karl-Anthony Towns (+6) | Kobe Brown (+13) |
The Knicks had the superior fast break performance, scoring 20 points in transition compared to Indiana’s 9. Mikal Bridges accounted for 10 of those fast break points on a perfect 4-for-4 night in transition.
Indiana’s 9 fast break points came from multiple contributors but the Pacers chose to play more deliberately and attack in the half-court. Their half-court execution, particularly from Siakam and Nembhard in pick-and-roll situations, was more consistent.
| Team | Fast Break Points | Fast Break FG% |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 20 | 57.1% |
| Indiana Pacers | 9 | 66.7% |
The Knicks and Pacers have developed one of the most compelling rivalries in the modern Eastern Conference. Their playoff battles in recent seasons have established a genuine animosity between both fan bases and coaching staffs.
This February 2026 regular season matchup carried playoff-intensity energy from the opening tip. Both teams entered knowing that seeding in the Eastern Conference standings could come down to head-to-head results in games exactly like this.
Indiana’s victory in this game boosted their position in the East standings and gave them the early advantage in the 2026 season series against New York.
This game was a fantasy basketball goldmine with multiple players posting massive numbers. Jalen Brunson’s 40-point, 8-assist line made him the top fantasy scorer of the night across virtually all formats.
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a classic double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, giving him near-maximum value in categories formats. Mikal Bridges’ versatile 22-point, 6-rebound, 3-assist, 1-steal, 1-block line was ideal for punt-strategy managers.
Pascal Siakam’s 30-point, 4-assist, 3-steal performance made him one of the most productive fantasy scorers on the Indiana side. Andrew Nembhard’s 24-point, 10-assist double-double was the value play of the game for Pacers fans.
| Player | Team | Pts | Reb | Ast | Stl | Blk | Est. Fantasy Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | NYK | 40 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 58.0 |
| Pascal Siakam | IND | 30 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 50.0 |
| Andrew Nembhard | IND | 24 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 46.0 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 22 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 45.0 |
| Mikal Bridges | NYK | 22 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 40.0 |
For the Knicks, this loss highlighted the bench depth vulnerability that has plagued them at moments throughout the 2025-26 season. Brunson and Towns cannot carry the scoring load alone when the bench contributes only 18 points in a game that requires 137 to win.
The Pacers proved again that their collective depth is a legitimate weapon in the Eastern Conference. Six players scoring in double digits and a 25-point bench advantage show how Indiana can beat elite opponents without anyone needing to have a supernova night.
Both teams remain firmly in playoff position, and this game will almost certainly be referenced when the two squads meet again in the postseason.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 137-134 in a closely contested regular season game at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson scored 40 points on 15-of-31 shooting, with 8 assists and 1 turnover in a standout performance for New York.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals while drawing 10 fouls in the winning effort.
Yes, Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, though he was held back by 5 turnovers.
Andrew Nembhard led all players in assists with 10, pairing it with 24 points on 56.3% shooting for a double-double performance.
The Pacers’ bench outscored New York’s 43-18, with T.J. McConnell leading the way with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
Indiana shot 40% from three on 45 attempts while New York hit just 30.4% on 46 attempts, a key factor in Indiana’s victory.
Kobe Brown led all players with a +13 plus-minus for Indiana, while Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with a +6 rating.
Mikal Bridges scored 22 points on 60% shooting for New York, adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in a complete performance.
Indiana’s bench scoring advantage of 43-18 and their superior three-point shooting at 40% versus New York’s 30.4% were the decisive edges.
The Knicks vs Pacers Match Player Stats & Top Performers 2026 tells the story of a 3-point game decided by depth, perimeter shooting, and a historic individual effort that came up just short. Jalen Brunson’s 40-point masterclass reminded the NBA world why he is among the elite guards in the league.
Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the boards with a 14-rebound double-double. Yet Indiana’s collective team effort proved superior. Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard led a balanced Pacers attack, while T.J. McConnell and the Indiana bench delivered the margin of victory.
This game proved both franchises are genuine Eastern Conference contenders heading into the second half of the 2025-26 season, and the rivalry between New York and Indiana shows no signs of cooling down.