Gabe York makes his season debut for Indiana Pacers, has career-high scoring night

Indiana Pacers guard Gabe York made his season debut for the Pacers on Wednesday against the New York Knicks. He signed a two-way contract with the team one week earlier and was finally eligible to play after being inactive for two games.

York spent almost all of his 2022-23 season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Indiana's G League affiliate team. He averaged over 22 points per game with the Mad Ants and won multiple G League Player of the Week awards. York proved to be a sharpshooter from deep as he shot nearly 40% from long range.

That skill shined in his season debut with the Pacers. York drilled three outside shots against the Knicks and shot 50% from long range, which changed the game. York has prior NBA experience, but this was his first ever home game in the NBA.

"I love Gabe. What's not to like about the guy? The guy's consistent, he's loyal. He's got a skill. He knows who he is as a player, knows who he is as a teammate. Him banging in those three threes... in the first half were huge," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the game. "He's been a real staple for the Mad Ants the last two years."

York's previously-referenced experience in the NBA was with the Pacers last season. He played in Indiana's final two games, in Philadelphia and in Brooklyn, and he scored 4.0 points per game in that span. His season high during his rookie campaign was seven points.

He eclipsed that last night with a career-high nine points against New York. All nine came in the first half as York helped the Pacers mount a comeback that came up just short.

"He was incredible. Such a gifted shooter and a gifted scorer," Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell said of York after the game. "Proud is an understatement. Me and him go way back... it's awesome to see," he added. York and McConnell were teammates for two years at the University of Arizona as well as with the blue and gold last season.

York was aggressive early, hunting for his shot. He drove to the basket on one of his first touches, and he looked for space from beyond the arc when he could. As a scorer and shooter, he tried to find his spots.

McConnell, at times, was directing traffic in a way that would get York the ball, or least make him more of a threat. The chemistry those two have elevated Indiana's second unit.

That bench group was effective all night. York and McConnell were joined by Isaiah Jackson, Oshae Brissett, and Buddy Hield as the reserves, and they were a connected unit. All five players had a +/- in the positives, including York at a +22.

"It was special for me just to be able to get back after a year," York said after the game. He noted that he is grateful for the Pacers giving him another chance to play in the NBA after nearly a full year away.

In that time he grew as a player. Working out last summer in Indianapolis with many Pacers players, including Tyrese Haliburton, gave York confidence. He knew at that point that he had NBA-level talent. He just had to prove it with Fort Wayne.

He did just that by being one of the team's best offensive weapons. On top of his ridiculous scoring, he averaged roughly four rebounds and four assists per game. He helped the Mad Ants reach the postseason for the first time in five years.

Now, he's back with the Pacers, and he's going to have a chance to contribute down the stretch just like he did on Wednesday, when he knocked down three outside shots. "That's where my bread and butter is," York said of his three-point shot.

The 29-year old wants to continue to show that he belongs in the NBA, and burying threes will help with that. Displaying other abilities will help too, as York had one rebound and one assist against the Knicks.

"He came in, he came in aggressive shooting the ball. That's big time for a guy that just got signed. Step into the game and shoot five quick ones? Make three of them? That's huge," Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith said of York. It was Nesmith's first-ever game with the two-way contract guard.

Health permitting, Gabe York could suit up in the Pacers final two games over the weekend. He will hope to show off more of the same skills and continue to fit in well in his new opportunity.