The Eastern Conference finals have not been kind to the Knicks, as they find themselves in a precarious 2-0 hole after two home games against the Pacers. The weight of the moment was palpable in both contests: Game 1 was a crushing disappointment, while Game 2 unfolded into a bleak narrative of missed opportunities and defensive lapses. For a team that had aspirations of advancing to the NBA Finals, starting off the series with two home losses is a bitter pill to swallow.
In Game 2, the Knicks held a promising 14-point lead with just under three minutes left, but their inability to close out the game sealed their fate. Jalen Brunson, who shone with a commendable 36-point performance, had a shot to tie the game with a deep three-pointer that missed its mark. Myles Turner, for the Pacers, then stepped to the free-throw line, effectively sealing the Knicks’ fate with his clutch free throws.
Pascal Siakam was the undisputed star for Indiana, delivering a staggering 39 points, a performance that underscored the Knicks’ defensive shortcomings. The Knicks struggled to contain Siakam, particularly in the first half when he scored 23 of the Pacers’ first 31 points. The Knicks’ starters seemed outmatched, with Karl-Anthony Towns finishing a disappointing minus-16 in only 27 minutes of play, leading to his benching for much of the fourth quarter.
The Knicks’ early game struggles have been a recurring theme throughout the postseason, as evidenced by their slow starts in both games against the Pacers. They fell behind 19-9 early in Game 2, prompting coach Tom Thibodeau to make some adjustments. Inserting Mitchell Robinson into the lineup seemed to shift the momentum; the Knicks closed the first quarter on a 17-5 run, showcasing Robinson’s impact with eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks in a vibrant half of basketball.
By halftime, the Knicks led by three, thanks largely to Brunson’s 17 points and Towns’ late surge in the second quarter. However, the game exhibited a chaotic rhythm, with both teams combining for 15 turnovers, the Knicks accounting for eight of those. Tyrese Haliburton, a key player for the Pacers, struggled from the floor, shooting just 1-of-7 in the first half, indicating that the Knicks had some defensive success— albeit fleeting.
As the second half began, the Knicks’ momentum evaporated. Thibodeau’s decision to stick with his starters backfired, and the Pacers seized control, quickly outscoring the Knicks 15-7. Despite Brunson’s continued scoring efforts, the Pacers stretched their lead to nine early in the final period, capitalizing on wide-open looks from beyond the arc.
The Knicks now face daunting odds as they prepare for Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Historically, only six teams in NBA playoff history have rallied after losing the first two games at home. The Knicks’ playoff performance at Madison Square Garden has been underwhelming, boasting a 3-5 record compared to a more impressive 5-1 on the road.
With crucial adjustments needed, the Knicks must find a way to tighten their defense, especially against formidable opponents like Siakam, and ensure that their starters contribute effectively from the outset. The upcoming game will not only test their resilience but also reveal whether they can adapt and overcome the challenges presented by the Pacers. As the series progresses, the psychological and strategic elements will play a pivotal role in determining whether the Knicks can turn the tide in this high-stakes battle for playoff supremacy.
