Knicks vs Pacers: Indiana Survives Late Comeback to Secure 106-104 NBA Cup Victory

The Indiana Pacers edged out the New York Knicks 106-104 in a thrilling NBA Cup group-stage matchup on Friday night, November 13, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 19 points, while Aaron Nesmith delivered an important scoring performance with 18 points to help the Pacers secure a narrow victory.

The Knicks vs Pacers matchup featured several momentum swings, impressive individual performances and a dramatic finish. New York had opportunities to take control late in the fourth quarter, but Indiana’s defense held firm when it mattered most.

The victory improved the Pacers’ record to 5-8, while the Knicks dropped to 6-6 following their second consecutive defeat.

Knicks vs Pacers Game Recap: Indiana Wins 106-104

The Pacers and Knicks delivered an entertaining contest in their NBA Cup group-play meeting. Indiana started strongly and established a 14-point advantage during the game, but New York repeatedly fought its way back.

The Knicks erased the deficit and tied the game early in the fourth quarter. However, Indiana responded with another scoring run to rebuild a 12-point lead.

New York refused to give up and made another push in the closing minutes, cutting the deficit to just two points.

A late Indiana turnover gave the Knicks an opportunity to tie or win the game on the final possession. However, Karl-Anthony Towns missed a fadeaway jumper, allowing Indiana to escape with a 106-104 victory.

The result made the Pacers the winners of an important NBA Cup contest against one of their biggest Eastern Conference rivals.

Pascal Siakam Leads Indiana Pacers

Pascal Siakam was Indiana’s leading scorer, finishing with 19 points. His contribution was particularly important as the Pacers needed consistent offensive production against New York’s defense.

Aaron Nesmith also played a major role, scoring 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting performance. He connected on two of his three attempts from beyond the three-point line.

Nesmith’s performance was encouraging after a difficult start to the season. His ability to knock down outside shots could become increasingly important for Indiana as the campaign progresses.

Ivica Zubac recorded another double-double, finishing with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 16 points, giving Indiana another valuable scoring option.

T.J. McConnell contributed seven assists in limited playing time, helping the Pacers create opportunities for their teammates.

Jalen Brunson Stats: Knicks Star Scores 33 Points

Jalen Brunson delivered an outstanding individual performance despite the Knicks’ narrow defeat.

The New York guard finished with 33 points and 11 assists, recording a double-double. He made 11 of 22 field-goal attempts and converted seven of his eight free throws.

Brunson was responsible for much of New York’s offensive production and consistently created scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

Karl-Anthony Towns also had an impressive performance on the boards, collecting 15 rebounds, including 12 defensive rebounds and three offensive rebounds.

However, Towns’ missed attempt on the final possession proved costly as the Knicks failed to complete their comeback.

Knicks vs Pacers Match Player Stats

Here are the leading individual performances from the November 13 NBA Cup matchup.

Knicks vs Pacers Team Stats

Indiana and New York finished with identical field-goal percentages, but the Pacers had an advantage in rebounding and free-throw production.

The biggest statistical difference came on the boards, where Indiana collected seven more rebounds than New York.

The Pacers also benefited from their free-throw opportunities, converting 18 attempts compared with 10 for the Knicks.

Pacers Defense Makes the Difference

While Siakam and Nesmith provided the offensive production, Indiana’s defensive effort was another major reason behind the victory.

The Pacers limited New York to 104 points and held the Knicks to just 20 points in the fourth quarter.

Indiana also forced two eight-second violations and created a crucial shot-clock violation late in the contest.

These defensive plays helped the Pacers maintain their advantage during the closing stages.

The improvement was particularly encouraging for head coach Rick Carlisle, whose team had also shown defensive progress in its previous victory over Washington.

What the Knicks vs Pacers Result Means for the NBA Cup

The victory gives Indiana an important result in NBA Cup group play and provides momentum after a challenging start to the regular season.

For the Knicks, the defeat highlights the importance of finishing close games. Brunson produced an excellent performance, but New York could not convert its final opportunity into a game-tying or game-winning basket.

The Eastern Conference rivalry between these teams continues to attract attention following their recent postseason battles.

Both teams will have another opportunity to make their mark when they meet again later in the regular season.

Knicks vs Pacers: Where to Watch

Fans looking for Knicks vs Pacers where to watch information should check the NBA’s official broadcast listings and local television providers for their region.

For viewers in the United States, NBA games may be available through national or regional sports networks and authorized streaming services, depending on the broadcast schedule.

International viewers can check NBA League Pass for availability in their country.

The November 13, 2026, matchup has already concluded, with Indiana defeating New York 106-104 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

What’s Next for the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks?

The Pacers will look to build on this victory and continue improving their position in the Eastern Conference. Performances from Siakam, Nesmith and Zubac provide reasons for optimism as Indiana works toward greater consistency.

Meanwhile, the Knicks will aim to respond after another close defeat. Jalen Brunson’s scoring and playmaking remain major strengths, but the team will need better execution in decisive moments.

With another meeting scheduled in New York on November 23, the next chapter of the Knicks-Pacers rivalry promises to be another closely watched contest.

For now, Indiana can celebrate a hard-fought 106-104 NBA Cup victory after surviving a dramatic late comeback from New York.