The New York Knicks took care of business and secured a 136-110 win over the Indiana Pacers, despite the absence of star guard Jalen Brunson. Ahead of the matchup, Brunson was ruled out by the Knicks due to right ankle injury management and cervical strain. He was initially listed as doubtful and was eventually ruled out.
Without Brunson, it gave Josh Hart a chance to have a big game against Indiana. Hart finished with 33 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Knicks forward almost had a perfect game as he knocked down all of his five attempts from deep. He also only missed on shot on the floor.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. While Jose Alvarado, who started in place of the injured star, had 16 points and 10 assists.
Mike Brown is Hoping to Have Jalen Brunson Back
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
After the big win, Knicks head coach Mike Brown told Ian Begley of SNY that he’s hoping to have Brunson back on Friday. New York is scheduled to face the Brooklyn Nets that day.
“I imagine so. It wasn’t anything too serious… three days before next game… plenty of time to get his body right,” Brown said.
Brunson has been healthy and available for the Knicks. In the 2025-26 season, the NBA star has only missed six games. He’s done an exceptional job in staying ready to play at any moment. The three-time All-Star has appeared in 64 games, averaging 26.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists. Before he missed the Pacers game, Brunson was coming from a 30-point game to lead the Knicks to a 110-107 win against the Golden State Warriors.
Brown spoke highly of Hart and Alvarado after their victory against the Pacers. The Knicks needed players to carry the offensive load left by Brunson, and the two role players answered the call. When talking about Hart, the coach credited the candy Mike & Ike for his 30-point night.
“Maybe he had some Mike & Ike’s before (the game),” Brown said of Hart.
Alvarado, meanwhile, was praised by Brown, who compared him to former NBA star Steve Nash.
“Even if he didn’t have anything, he just — we’d call it ‘Nashing’… He kept his dribble, he Nashed it and brought the ball out to the weak side and he found somebody,” he said.
The Knicks coach said that it was fun to watch Alvarado operate as the starting guard. It was the first time that the backup point guard started for New York.
The Knicks will have some free time before their next game. It could be enough time for Brunson to recover from his injury.
Related: Knicks Make Jalen Brunson Injury Announcement Before Pacers Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.