Knicks waste another strong Jalen Brunson performance with poor 4th quarter vs. Pacers

Following a stunning loss in Game 1, the Knicks fell again to the Pacers in Game 2, as New York's fourth-quarter woes continued in the 114-109 loss.

The Knicks entered the second half up three, but they allowed Indiana to score 65 points in the second half split almost evenly between the two quarters. The best Indiana stretch came at the start of the fourth quarter when they went on an 11-2 run to begin the final frame.

Jalen Brunson did all he could once again, as the point guard scored over 30 points for the eighth time this postseason. New York is now 5-3 in the playoffs when Brunson passes the 30-point mark.

Here's a look at how the Knicks have had difficulties closing out the Pacers this series.

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Knicks fourth quarter woes

In the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers have outscored the Knicks by eight total points, but most of that has come within two specific stretches of play.

In the final four minutes of Game 1's fourth quarter and the first three minutes of Game 2's fourth quarter combined, the Pacers have outscored the Knicks by 23 points, which essentially makes up the difference between New York leading 2-0 and trailing 0-2 in the series.

Despite winning 51 games in the regular season, the Knicks were 23rd in the NBA in fourth-quarter scoring during the year. In each of the other three quarters, New York was in the top half of the league in scoring for the season.

MORE: Pascal Siakam sets playoff career high in Game 2 win vs. Knicks

Jalen Brunson stats Game 2 vs. Pacers

Despite the loss, Brunson put up another strong game, leading all Knicks scorers on the night.

• Points: 36
• Rebounds: 3
• Assists: 11
• Steals: 1
• FGM-FGA: 13-27
• 3PM-3PA: 5-12
• FTM-FTA: 5-5

Brunson has now scored a combined 79 points in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, which includes shooting over 50 percent from the field.

MORE: Why Karl-Anthony Towns was benched for most of 4th quarter in Game 2

Eastern Conference Finals schedule