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 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.

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.

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.