The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers is as intense as ever. In a heated Game 5 of their playoff series on Tuesday, tensions flared during the Knicks’ commanding victory, particularly between Donte DiVincenzo and Myles Turner.
The incident occurred after DiVincenzo’s emphatic put-back dunk that extended the Knicks’ lead to 22 points in the third quarter. As the crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted in celebration, DiVincenzo moved to the other end of the court and collided with a screen set by Turner. The brief confrontation that followed saw both players quickly separate as emotions ran high. Both DiVincenzo and Turner received technical fouls for their roles in the altercation.
Donte DiVincenzo dunks on the Pacers then gets into it with Myles Turner pic.twitter.com/evmuNWWO6Y
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 15, 2024
In the post-game locker room, Donte DiVincenzo did not mince words regarding the Pacers’ approach. “They’re trying to be tough guys. And that’s not their identity, and there is nothing more to that,” he stated. “I don’t agree with trying to walk up on somebody. Nobody is going to fight in the NBA. So take the foul, keep it moving. You’re not a tough guy.”
Despite the altercation, DiVincenzo’s overall performance was mixed. He struggled with his shooting, finishing the game with eight points on 4-of-14 shooting. However, he made significant contributions elsewhere, adding seven rebounds, four assists, and a game-high three steals.
The standout performer of the night was Jalen Brunson, who delivered an impressive 44 points, marking his fifth 40-point game in these playoffs. Additional support came from Josh Hart and Alec Burks, each scoring 18 points, with Burks notably going 5-for-8 from three-point range. Miles McBride also added 17 points to the Knicks’ tally.
This victory was crucial for the Knicks, who had suffered a heavy loss in Game 4. Their resilience paid off, giving them a 3-2 lead in their second-round series against the Pacers. The Knicks now need just one more win to secure their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.
As the series progresses, the intensity and physicality are likely to remain high. Both teams will need to manage their emotions and focus on their gameplay to advance further in the playoffs.
Comments