Indiana Pacers played close to the perfect game – meaning they shot 58% from the floor (48% from 3-point land), and holding the New York Knicks to 38% from the floor. Led by forward Mike Dunleavy, the Pacers embarrassed the Knicks 119-92 at Madison Square Garden Monday night.The Knicks shot 67% in the first quarter, led by Zach Randolph’s 15 points – his layup with 23 seconds left in the quarter giving New York a 27-26 going into the second quarter. Knicks guard Jamal Crawford made a jumper 14 seconds into the 2nd quarter, then would go almost 11 minutes before they scored a basket – missing 20 consecutive shots. Indiana’s Troy Murphy would make an open 3-pointer, expanding Indiana’s lead to 51-39 with 1:20 left in the half; Randolph would end the drought with a basket with 56 seconds remaining and his 3-pointer would cut Indiana’s lead to 53-46.

New York would rebound and tie the game at 64 when F David Lee made 2 free throws with 5:51 left in the 3rd quarter; the Pacers’ Dunleavy would answer back with 12 consecutive points of his own, capped with a 3-pointer that gave Indiana a 76-66 lead with 2:08 left in the 3rd; the Pacers would go into the 4th quarter leading 84-72. About the only mystery remaining was how loud the Madison Square Garden would pump out the sound effects to drown out the repetitious “Fire Isiah” chants.

Indiana had 5 players in double-digits, led by Dunleavy with a career-high 36 points, including 3 three-pointers. Jermaine O’Neal added 22, while Troy Murphy chipped in with 17 and 9 rebounds; he would also make 5 three-pointers. Danny Granger also had a strong game, scoring 16 while grabbing 9 boards. New York was led by Randolph with a strong effort, scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds; Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury would add 16 points apiece in a losing effort. Indiana (13-12) returns home to Indianapolis to host the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night, while New York (7-17) remains home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers – also on Wednesday.