It was a night of honors for the New York Knicks (31-17). First, head coach Tom Thibodeau was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for January. Then Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle were named All-Star reserves. Congratulations, fellas!
There was still basketball to be played, of course. Tonight the Knicks welcomed the sharpshooting Indiana Pacers (27-21) to Madison Square Garden. In their previous meeting, the Pacers beat the Knicks 140-126 when Tyrese Haliburton dished 23 assists. The Knicks came into tonight having won eight straight but would be shorthanded, missing Randle (dislocated shoulder), OG Anunoby (elbow inflammation), and Quentin Grimes (sprained knee).