The New York Knicks earned a decisive victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday night. Superstar Jalen Brunson led the way with 43 points in the contest, but it was New York’s role players who made the difference in Game 1. Chief among them was Donte DiVincenzo, who was the key to the Knicks’ success throughout their postseason run.
DiVincenzo returned to form Monday night, dropping 25 points on 10-17 shooting (58.8%) including five 3-pointers made. He had a rating of +10 +/- and added two blocks, three rebounds and an assist. DiVincenzo served as a reliable second option for Brunson down the stretch and also drew a defensive foul on Pacers big man Myles Turner, who was called for a controversial moving screen in the fourth quarter.
The highlight of the game for DiVincenzo came late in the fourth quarter, when he hit a deep 3-pointer with just 40 seconds remaining to break the tie and give New York a three-point lead. This go-ahead basket ultimately propelled the team to victory.
When asked about DiVincenzo’s game-winning 3-pointer, Knicks forward OG Anunoby expressed confidence in his teammate:
“I usually think he’s going to make it, so I’m not surprised at all,” Anunoby told reporters (h/t SNY). “He IS a great shooter.”