Jalen Brunson returned from a right foot injury to score 24 of his 29 points in the second half, leading the New York Knicks to a 130-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

On the anniversary of Willis Reed’s dramatic emergence from the locker room before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to lead the Knicks to their first title, Brunson sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy when he came out to warm up at halftime after missing the entire second quarter while the Pacers surged ahead to a double-figure lead.

He fell short of becoming the second player in NBA history to score 40 or more points in five straight playoff games, but he gave the Knicks everything they needed to move halfway to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.

OG Anunoby added a career playoff-high 28 points before leaving with a left hamstring injury in the third quarter for the injury-riddled Knicks, who have already lost three key players to season-ending injuries.

The victory was crucial for the Knicks, who now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Brunson's return from injury provided a significant boost to the team, as he displayed his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. His performance in the second half was particularly impressive, rallying the Knicks to overcome a deficit and secure the win.

The significance of Brunson's contribution was not lost on the fans at Madison Square Garden, who were electrified by his presence on the court. The atmosphere in the arena mirrored the historic moment of Willis Reed's legendary appearance in the 1970 NBA Finals, further adding to the significance of Brunson's performance.

While Brunson fell short of a historic scoring milestone, his impact on the game was undeniable. His resilience and determination inspired his teammates and lifted the spirits of Knicks fans everywhere. With Brunson leading the way, the Knicks are now in a strong position to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in over two decades.