What happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, unless it’s an electrifying NBA Summer League matchup where two historic rivals refuse to treat the offseason like downtime. The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks clashed in the NBA 2K26 Summer League on Thursday, July 17, 2025, giving fans a statistical feast and a glimpse into basketball’s future.
While the regular season might be months away, this game packed the energy of a playoff clash and the unpredictability of a high-stakes roulette wheel. So, who stepped up, who slipped, and what do the numbers really tell us? It’s time to unpack the Pacers vs Knicks match player stats in full detail.
How Did the Pacers Clinch a Narrow Victory Over the Knicks?
The game was tight from the opening tip, but the Pacers managed to hold on for a 91-88 victory over the Knicks at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. With both squads featuring young prospects, two-way hopefuls, and G League talent, the matchup was more than just a scrimmage, it was a proving ground.
The Pacers started with intensity, moved the ball crisply, and showcased superior team chemistry. The Knicks responded with bursts of individual brilliance, particularly from their perimeter players. Ultimately, it came down to execution. Indiana hit timely shots, moved the ball better, and weathered a fourth-quarter push by New York.
The final few possessions were defined by smart shot selection, defensive discipline, and hustle plays—areas where the Pacers had just a bit more in the tank.
Who Were the Standout Players for the Indiana Pacers?
Several Pacers made compelling cases for future roles in the league, but three players clearly stood out based on their statistical output and on-court impact.
Kam Jones emerged as the floor general for Indiana. He scored 21 points, dished out 11 assists, and showed poise beyond his years. While his shooting wasn’t lights-out, he went 9-for-19, it was his ability to control pace and create open looks for teammates that gave Indiana the edge.
Enrique Freeman might have been the most efficient player on the floor. Scoring 18 points on an eye-popping 77.8% shooting, he also collected 10 rebounds, earning himself a rock-solid double-double. His presence in the paint on both ends was felt throughout the game.
Buddy Boeheim, known for his sharpshooting, added 12 points while hitting three triples. His ability to stretch the floor helped open up driving lanes and contributed to the team’s spacing.
Pacers Key Player Stats
Player
MIN
PTS
FG%
3P%
AST
REB
Kam Jones
28:49
21
47.4
28.6
11
3
Enrique Freeman
29:56
18
77.8
50.0
4
10
Buddy Boeheim
23:24
12
57.1
60.0
1
2
Other notable contributions came from Hunter Maldonado, who chipped in with 7 points and 3 steals, and Steven Ashworth, who added 6 points and 4 assists off the bench with efficient shooting.
What Sparked the Knicks’ Late-Game Comeback Attempt?
If not for a few missed free throws and late turnovers, this game could have tilted in New York’s favor. Leading the charge was MarJon Beauchamp, who lit up the scoreboard with 28 points on 62.5% shooting, including six makes from deep. His confidence and rhythm were unmatched on the floor.
Tyler Kolek, despite a rough night from beyond the arc, added 14 points and facilitated the offense with 5 assists. He was active defensively, too, although his 5 turnovers became a liability in the fourth quarter.
Dink Pate also impressed with 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting and added 7 rebounds. He showed versatility by defending multiple positions and finishing strong around the rim.
Knicks Key Player Stats
Player
MIN
PTS
FG%
3P%
AST
REB
MarJon Beauchamp
29:01
28
62.5
54.5
3
2
Tyler Kolek
29:10
14
40.0
0.0
5
2
Dink Pate
17:34
11
44.4
100
2
7
While the Knicks had strong individual performances, their inability to consistently move the ball and execute late in the game proved costly.
What Do the Team Stats Tell Us About the Game?
Although the Knicks shot better overall, the Pacers had the edge in team play. They recorded more assists (23 to 19) and displayed superior ball movement, which led to better shot opportunities.
The Knicks slightly outperformed the Pacers in field goal percentage (48.5% vs. 45.8%) and three-point shooting was almost even (34.5% vs. 34.3%). However, New York’s free-throw shooting was a concern—they hit just 52.2% from the line compared to Indiana’s 65%.
Team Comparison Table
Category
Pacers
Knicks
Field Goal %
45.8%
48.5%
Three-Point %
34.3%
34.5%
Free Throw %
65.0%
52.2%
Rebounds
33
32
Assists
23
19
Turnovers
17
16
Points
91
88
The margin of victory wasn’t just about points. It was about control—of possessions, pace, and poise under pressure.
Which Bench Units Made the Greatest Impact?
Summer League games often showcase deep rotations, and this matchup was no exception. The Pacers bench added solid production and maintained energy when starters sat.
Steven Ashworth delivered smart minutes with 6 points and 4 assists. Hunter Maldonado provided defensive disruption and transitioned defense into offense with 3 steals. R.J. Felton also made an impression with 5 points and an aggressive mindset.
For the Knicks, Biwali Bayles stood out, finishing with 6 points and 7 rebounds. Anton Watson added 9 points and 3 blocks, providing much-needed rim protection in key stretches.
While both benches contributed, the Pacers’ second unit seemed more composed and better at creating opportunities.
How Does This Match Fit into the Broader Pacers vs Knicks Rivalry?
Despite being a Summer League game, this contest added another layer to a rivalry that dates back decades. The Pacers and Knicks have now met 198 times in regular season play, with the Knicks narrowly leading the all-time series 102–96.
Recent matchups have swung both ways:
Feb 11, 2025 – Knicks 128, Pacers 115
Nov 10, 2024 – Pacers 132, Knicks 121
Oct 25, 2024 – Knicks 123, Pacers 98
While Summer League games don’t count toward the official record, they’re increasingly used to test future roster contributors and reflect franchise depth.
This meeting may not go in the official books, but it mattered—to the players grinding for a spot, the coaches scouting talent, and the fans watching closely.
How Does This Match Fit into the Broader Pacers vs Knicks Rivalry?
Even in the glitz of a Summer League showdown, context is everything. And context here means over four decades of basketball battles. The Knicks and Pacers have squared off in 198 regular-season games, with New York holding a narrow historical edge: 102 wins to Indiana’s 96.
These two franchises have a well-documented rivalry that spans eras, from the Reggie Miller dramatics of the 90s to today’s battle-tested rosters aiming to rebuild championship credibility. While the Summer League might not add to the official tally, it certainly reflects the depth of their developmental systems and the competitiveness that has always defined their clashes.
Knicks vs Pacers All-Time Regular Season Record
Team
Wins
New York Knicks
102
Indiana Pacers
96
Recent Knicks vs Pacers Game Log (Regular Season)
Game #
Date
Winner
Venue
Final Score
Record After Game
198
Feb 11, 2025
Knicks
@ Pacers
128 – 115
NYK 102 – IND 96
197
Nov 10, 2024
Pacers
@ Pacers
132 – 121
NYK 101 – IND 96
196
Oct 25, 2024
Knicks
vs Pacers
123 – 98
NYK 101 – IND 95
195
Feb 10, 2024
Pacers
vs Knicks
125 – 111
NYK 100 – IND 95
194
Feb 01, 2024
Knicks
vs Pacers
109 – 105
NYK 100 – IND 94
193
Dec 30, 2023
Pacers
@ Pacers
140 – 126
NYK 99 – IND 94
As the data shows, it’s been a neck-and-neck run over the past few years, with both teams trading wins. This ongoing tug-of-war only adds intrigue to every meeting—yes, even the ones in July under the Las Vegas heat.
This Summer League victory won’t go into the official ledger, but for the players chasing roster spots and coaches analyzing performance data, it was just as vital. It was another intense chapter in a rivalry where no matchup, preseason or postseason, ever feels casual.
What Do These Stats Reveal About Each Team’s Identity?
Statistically, this game offered a clear picture of the current state of both franchises’ developmental rosters.
The Pacers looked more team-oriented, with better assist numbers and smarter possessions. They played within a system and prioritized execution. Their defensive switching and ability to close out on shooters made the difference in clutch time.
The Knicks leaned more on individual talent and shot-making, especially from Beauchamp. While their stars shone, their cohesion and defensive rotations lagged behind in key stretches.
Overall, the Pacers’ stats told the story of a team with rhythm, while the Knicks’ numbers reflected flashes of brilliance, but with moments of inconsistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Indiana Pacers win the Summer League game?
They controlled pace, moved the ball better, and executed more effectively in crunch time, edging out the Knicks 91-88.
Who scored the most points in the game?
MarJon Beauchamp of the Knicks scored 28 points, leading all scorers.
What made Enrique Freeman stand out?
He posted 18 points and 10 rebounds on 77.8% shooting, making him the most efficient player on the court.
How did the Knicks perform from the free-throw line?
They struggled, hitting only 52.2% of their attempts, which was a major factor in their narrow loss.
Who led the Pacers in assists?
Kam Jones led all players with 11 assists, running the offense with control and vision.
What does the all-time head-to-head record look like?
The Knicks lead the all-time regular season series against the Pacers with 102 wins to Indiana’s 96.
Were there any strong performances off the bench?
Yes. Steven Ashworth and Hunter Maldonado for the Pacers, and Biwali Bayles for the Knicks, each provided critical support.