Brunson scores 43, rallies Knicks to win over Pacers in Game 1 of Eastern semifinals [Video]

By Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press

Jalen Brunson doesn’t go into a game aiming to score 40 points more consistently than anyone in the postseason since Michael Jordan.

He only cares about winning games, so a late defensive stop is just as important to him as any of his shots.

“The little things can go a long way,” Brunson said. “So yeah, the 40 points are cool and all, but it’s the little things that help us win games like that. So I’m just happy to have the group of guys that I do.”

And the New York Knicks are sure thrilled to have him.

Brunson scored 43 points, becoming the fourth player in NBA history with four straight 40-point games in the postseason, and the Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers 121-117 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Brunson had 21 in the fourth quarter, rallying the Knicks after they trailed by nine early …