NBA play-offs:

Knicks make it 2-0, Nikola Jokic again MVP

The Knicks have extended their lead, Nikola Jokic (r.) was once again voted MVP.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW STOCKMAN/ELSA )

The New York Knicks lead the Indiana Pacers 2:0 in the NBA quarter-finals. The Knicks won the second game of the play-off series at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday 130:121. Nikola Jokic was once again voted MVP.

The Knicks owed their second victory above all to Jalen Brunson, who scored 24 points in the second half and helped his team stage a comeback after trailing 63:73 at halftime. Indiana's 34 points from Tyrese Haliburton were not enough to secure victory.

Best player for the third time
The Serbian Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has been named the most valuable NBA player for the third time in four years. With 926 points, he came out on top ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder (640 points) and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks (566). Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game in the basic round. He had already been voted MVP in 2021 and 2022. Last season, the award went to Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jokic still has a chance to defend the title with the Nuggets. However, they are 2-0 down against the Minnesota Timberwolves and now have to play twice away from home.

NBA play-off results from Wednesday (2nd round/conference semifinals, "best of seven"):

Eastern Conference: 
New York Knicks - Indiana Pacers 130-121 (series score: 2-0)