The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 121-117, on Monday night at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal-round series. The Knicks lead the series, 1-0.

The Knicks (5-2 postseason) got a clear message they'd be in for a fight during the first half, when the Pacers (4-3 postseason) turned a three-point first-quarter deficit into a six-point halftime advantage with a dominant second quarter. New York was only able to make a one-point dent in its deficit in the third, but the hosts were able to close matters out in the final period with a 39-30 edge that included a 17-8 run over the final 4:04 of the contest.

Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points, adding three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Pascal Siakam delivered 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. T.J. McConnell furnished 18 points, three assists, one rebound and three steals. Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin generated matching 12-point, six-rebound, three-assist efforts with Toppin added one block. Andrew Nembhard totaled 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.

Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 43 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and one block. Donte DiVincenzo tallied 25 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Josh Hart contributed a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists, three steals and one block. OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein posted 13 points and four assists apiece while pulling down nine and six rebounds, respectively.

Game 2 takes place at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.