A banged-up New York Knicks team avoided a serious injury as center Isaiah Hartenstein's shoulder X-ray was clear after a hard fall in their 121-89 Game 4 loss on Sunday, May 12, which allowed the Indiana Pacers to tie their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Hartenstein informed reporters after the game that the X-ray showed no problems, possibly indicating a pinched nerve.
The uncomfortable fall happened in the second quarter and although the X-ray didn't reveal any damage, his shoulder continued to bother him for the rest of the game.
When asked if the pinched nerve needed attention before Game 5, Hartenstein shrugged it off, stating that everyone is dealing with challenges and he will be okay.
Hartenstein expressed confidence that he will be fine despite only playing 24 minutes and posting his lowest playoff score and rebounds in the Knicks' most lopsided loss in this year's playoffs.
The Knicks are already missing several key players due to injuries, including Mitchell Robinson (ankle), OG Anunoby (hamstring), Julius Randle (shoulder), and Bojan Bogdanovic (foot). Additionally, their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, is struggling with a foot injury.
The Pacers took advantage of the Knicks' short-handed lineup with aggressive defense and a swift offense, leading by as much as 43 points. The series will resume at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday. The Knicks have only suffered one loss at the Garden during their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Knicks Fans Disappointed with Game 5 Loss Hartenstein expressed disappointment in letting down their supporters after the humiliating road loss. The 32-point loss marked the fourth-largest defeat margin in the franchise's playoff history, following losses to the Bulls by 41 in 1991, the 76ers by 40 in 1978, and the Pistons by 35 in 1990.
Hartenstein and the Knicks are eager to bounce back in front of their passionate fans.
Hartenstein emphasized the significance of playing for the fans and regaining their basketball performance after acknowledging their disrespectful play in the previous game.
The Pacers are preparing for the upcoming match.
Pacers guard TJ McConnell highlighted the need to focus on the next game and be prepared for the intense crowd at MSG.
He played a significant role in the Pacers' impressive win, contributing 15 points and 10 assists off the bench while effectively defending Brunson.
Jalen Brunson Affirms His Condition is Stable
Brunson took responsibility for the loss and refused to blame the Knicks' mounting injuries.
Despite the team's challenges, Brunson emphasized the importance of moving forward without making excuses and urged the team to accept the defeat without justifying their shortcomings.
Brunson was accused of landing on Aaron Nesmith's foot early in the game, with some analysts believing it should have been called a foul. He had been dealing with a foot injury since Game 2 but insisted it was not affecting his performance. Brunson reassured, "I'm okay," he said. "I'm okay."Brunson was the top scorer in the playoffs when he entered Game 4. However, he ended with just 18 points from 8 of 17 field goal attempts in 31 minutes, and sat on the bench for the fourth quarter.
The New York Knicks had a scare when Isaiah Hartenstein fell during Game 4, leading to an injury to his shoulder. Learn about the most recent updates on his condition.
Jalen Brunson Insists He’s Fine
Brunson took accountability of their loss and refused to use the Knicks’ mounting injuries as an excuse.
“We can talk about fresher legs and give us all the pity that we want,” Brunson told reporters. “Yeah, we’re short-handed but that doesn’t matter right now. We have what we have and we need to go forward with that. There is no ‘we’re short-handed.’ There’s no excuse. There’s no excuse whatsoever. We lose, we lose.”
Brunson landed on Aaron Nesmith’s foot in the opening minutes of the game which ESPN analyst JJ Redick said should have been a foul. The Knicks star was already nursing a sore foot since Game 2. He was adamant the injury isn’t affecting his burst and speed.
“I’m fine,” Brunson said. “I’m fine.”
Brunson entered Game 4 as the scoring leader in the playoffs. He finished with only 18 on 8 of 17 shooting in just 31 minutes, watching the fourth quarter from the bench.
