The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 109-105, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

The Knicks (32-17) were surging and rightfully listed as favorites coming in, but it was the Pacers (27-22) that started fast and jumped out to a 36-26 lead through one. New York did tighten up on defense in the second quarter but only managed to chip three points from its deficit before halftime. The hosts had whittled it away by another two points going into the final period, and they then proceeded to outscore Indiana, 30-21, over the final 12 minutes to complete the comeback.

Jalen Smith led the Pacers with 20 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam posted 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Aaron Nesmith furnished 17 points, six boards, one assist and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton registered 15 points, five assists, four boards and two blocks. Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, while pulling down three rebounds apiece. Nembhard also dished out six assists.

Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 40 points, adding five rebounds and one assist. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 20 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Miles McBride compiled 16 points, one rebound and two steals. Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa generated matching 12-point efforts while pulling down 19 and 16 rebounds, respectively. Hartenstein also managed six assists, while Achiuwa had three steals and two blocks.

The Pacers return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Knicks host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.