Knicks get off to the worst start possible in Game 4 vs. Pacers

This was not the right time for the Knicks to have their worst quarter of the season.

The Knicks, leading this second-round playoff series 2-1, got off to a terrible start to Sunday’s Game 4 against the Pacers, trailing 34-14 at the end of the first quarter in Indianapolis.

Things didn’t get much better in the second, as the Knicks trailed 69-41 at halftime.

Indiana, whose lead was as large as 30 points, was hitting nearly everything and the Knicks were a total mess.

The Knicks’ true status shouldn’t be lost in that ugly final score

The Knicks shot just 6-for-23 over the opening 12 minutes, with three of those made field goals coming from Precious Achiuwa, who started for the second straight game in place of the injured OG Anunoby .

Jalen Brunson, who has been dealing with a right foot issue, was 0-for-5, including 0-for-3 from 3-point range, and had a turnover that turned into a Tyrese Haliburton dunk.

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton showed no signs of slowing down despite ailments

He had one point, missing one of two free-throw attempts late in the first quarter.

Brunson picked it up a bit in the second quarter, going 4-for-6 from the field, and he had 10 points at the half.

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Alec Burks, who was a nice surprise for the Knicks coming off the bench in Game 3, led the Knicks with 11 points at halftime.

The Pacers, meanwhile, were 14-for-23 from the field in the opening quarter, with former Knick Obi Toppin going 3-for-4 for seven points off the bench, including a 3-pointer.

Indiana’s benched outscored the Knicks’ 17-0 in the quarter.

The Pacers, who were 10-for-21 from 3-point range, had five players in double figures in scoring at the half, 27 points off the bench.

Donte DiVincenzo was 2-for-11, including 1-for-5 from deep, and was a minus-34 in the half.

The Knicks pushed the Pacers in Game 3 despite their mounting injuries, ultimately falling, 111-106 .

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