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Knicks Struggle to Overcome Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals
The New York Knicks have found themselves in a challenging position as they trail 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. This situation marks a historic moment, as no NBA team has ever recovered from losing the first two games at home in this playoff round.
After a devastating collapse in Game 1, where they lost 138-135 in overtime, the Knicks faced another setback in Game 2, falling 114-109 on Friday night.
Pascal Siakam Leads Pacers to Victory
Pascal Siakam delivered an impressive performance, scoring a playoff career-high 39 points. His dominant play was crucial as the Pacers secured a commanding lead in the series.
“We have a long way to go and it’s only going to get tougher for us,” said Siakam, highlighting the increased pressure as the series progresses.
Contributions from Teammates
Myles Turner added 16 points to the scoreboard, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed significantly with 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. The Pacers, who have only made one previous NBA Finals appearance in 2000, are looking to build on their success.
Siakam’s remarkable shooting performance—15 for 23 from the field—stands out, especially considering that no other Pacers player scored more than five baskets during the game.
“Special game,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “In the first half, he was the guy that got us going and helped us through some difficult stretches.”
Knicks Seek to Regain Momentum
Despite the loss, Jalen Brunson put forth a strong effort for the Knicks, notching 36 points and 11 assists. However, the team is grappling with a sense of urgency as their hopes for success in the conference finals fade.
The Knicks demonstrated improved defense following their collapse in Game 1, but it wasn’t sufficient to secure the win in Game 2. A poor start to the fourth quarter ultimately hindered their comeback.
Key Player Adjustments
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each contributed 20 points and seven rebounds for the Knicks. Towns, however, played only 28 minutes as Coach Tom Thibodeau opted for backup Mitchell Robinson, who is a superior defender and grabbed nine rebounds.
“Going into the fourth quarter, it’s a tie ballgame. We’ve just got to make better plays, more winning plays,” Thibodeau said, reflecting the team’s awareness of their needed adjustments.
Pivotal Moment in the Fourth Quarter
With the game tied at 81 entering the final quarter, the Pacers opened with an impressive 13-4 run, putting them ahead 94-85, highlighted by Siakam’s crucial 3-pointer with 9:17 remaining. The Pacers skillfully maintained and increased their lead, with Siakam extending the margin to 110-100 after another basket with 2:45 left on the clock.
The Knicks made a late push, scoring nine consecutive points to narrow the gap to 110-109, thanks to a basket by Josh Hart with only 14 seconds to go. However, the Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith responded with two free throws, and a missed 3-point attempt by Brunson allowed Turner to seal the victory with two additional free throws.
A Historic Rivalry Resumes
This matchup marked the 50th playoff meeting between the Knicks and Pacers. Historically, the Pacers lead the rivalry, capturing 28 wins to the Knicks’ 22 since 1993. The recent games have echoed their old-school rivalry, characterized by defensive battles reminiscent of the 1990s rather than high-scoring shootouts.
The Pacers asserted dominance early, gaining a 19-9 lead, but the Knicks quickly clawed back when Robinson and Deuce McBride were brought into the game. From that point, the score remained close throughout the night.
As the Knicks now prepare for Game 3, they face a daunting challenge ahead. Recovery and strategic improvements will be essential if they aim to avoid elimination and reassert themselves in the series.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
