New York Knicks show determination by beating Pacers

He New York Knicks are celebrating for the first time this season after a 123-98 victory against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden.

The victory came just 72 hours after a embarrassing loss of 23 points against the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first game of the season.

Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau was delighted with his team’s effort Friday night.

“The character of our team is very strong,” Thibodeau said after the game h/t Post and Toast. “No one wants to not do it right, but you have to do it together. When you do it together, good things will come out. I love the way our guys responded.”

The Knicks’ synergy seemed much stronger in front of their home fans than it did away from home in Boston. Part of that may have been a desire to come out much better after a big loss to the Celtics in the season opener.

“Any time you get your butt kicked on national NBA television, it means you have to step up,” Knicks forward Josh Hart said after the game. “I think we just put a lot of effort into that first game. I feel like I didn’t do it defensively or with energy or things like that. We knew this was going to be a good game for us. One thing I do, whether I make or miss shots “It’s having that intensity, that energy. Obviously, home opener, the place was electric. That helped.”

The Madison Square Garden crowd certainly fueled their energy, but the Knicks need to be able to channel some of that on the road as well. Every game won’t be difficult considering Knicks fans are all over the country, but sometimes they still need their own source of vigor to keep the winning streak going.

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