Pacers defense steals series opener vs Knicks

NEW YORK -- The Indiana Pacers drew first blood in their renewed playoffs rivalry with the New York Knicks, coasting to a 102-95 Game 1 victory Sunday afternoon at the Madison Square Garden.

The third seeded Pacers did it on both ends of the floor, shooting 48.7 percent from the field (37-of-76) while holding the second ranked Knicks to just 43.2 percent shooting (35-of-81). The Pacers also ruled the boards, 44-30, a dominance that clipped New York's ability to score easy points off transition.

David West finished with 20 points to lead six Pacers who scored in double figures. All-Star Paul George had 19 while 7-foot-2 center Roy Hibbert anchored the defense with 14 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. George Hill handled the point guard chores with ease, 14 and six assists, and D.J. Augustin scored 16 in 13 minutes off the bench.

"I thought we just did a great job of taking advantage of our size, getting some second shots, guys finishing around the rim and obviously George and those other guys they made plays," West told ABC-TV which broadcast Game 1 of the best-of-7 Eastern Conference semifinal. Game 2 is Tuesday night at the Madison Garden.

Carmelo Anthony top scored for the Knicks with 27, but he made only 10 of 28 shots. Super sub J.R. Smith had similar struggles, making only four of 15 field goals for 17 points. Raymond Felton finished with 18 while Kenyon Martin added 12. (RYS)

Photo: The big and physical Indiana Pacers imposed their might over the N.Y. Knicks to win Game 1 of their best-of-7 series Sunday at the Madison Square Garden.