The New York Knicks fell behind the Indiana Pacers by 13 points on Sunday night as the Pacers' dynamic duo of Obi Toppin and Tyrese Haliburton combined for a thunderous alley oop dunk at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the second quarter.
The incredible play sparked a raucous crowd as the Pacers began to run away both literally and on the scoreboard from their visitors from the Big Apple.
The Pacers' dominance over the Knicks sparked a no-holds-barred take from NBA on TNT commentator Kenny Smith, who took issue with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau's abbreviated rotations during the game against a Pacers team whose bench began making an undeniable impact.
TJ McConnell guards Jalen Brunson.
The Pacers' TJ McConnell guards Jalen Brunson during the teams' May 23 game.
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
"Thibodeau wouldn't play nine guys in a baseball game," Smith said, blasting Thibodeau for his scaled back playing rotation.
"That's a lie right there," host Ernie Johnson said.
"Surprised he has done that, but the bench of Indiana when they play in the game, particularly TJ McConnell, he is coming to score," Smith added about the Pacers reserve guard.
McConnell led the Pacers in scoring with 10 points in nine minutes of play for coach Rick Carlisle's team.
"Push it baby!" fellow commentator Charles Barkley said in response to Smith's bone to pick with Thibodeau and praise for McConnell.
"That was the difference that opened the game up," Smith continued.
"That's the best line I've heard," Johnson said, adding that it was the best line he's heard since a movie line in a cowboy movie.
The Knicks played nine players as of the third quarter including Miles McBride, who played one minute.