When the postseason started in mid-April, who envisioned the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Indiana Pacers as a potential NBA Finals matchup? No one, but it’s likely that the matchup between the two franchises will go down.
The Indiana Pacers have gained a 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks with an impressive 130-121 victory in Game 4. The contest was an intense battle where coaching decisions and the Knicks’ in-game adjustments could have swung the momentum in their favor. However, in the end, Indiana made the key plays to secure the win.
Tyrese Haliburton continues his exceptional playoff run with another dominant performance. He finished the game with a triple-double, posting 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds while playing without turning the ball over once. Haliburton’s playmaking and leadership were key factors in helping the Pacers maintain their momentum throughout the game. The young star has been solidifying his place among the league’s elite, and this game served as the perfect showcase for his potential. His performance on Tuesday, marked the first time in NBA history that a playoff has recorded at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists without committing a single turnover.
Alongside Haliburton, Pascal Siakam had an outstanding performance, contributing 30 points, five rebounds, and two assists. He was consistent on both ends of the floor, complementing Haliburton’s playmaking. The Pacers’ depth was on full display in Game 4, with Aaron Nesmith adding 16 points off the bench, Myles Turner contributing 13 points and three blocks, and Benedict Mathurin making an impact with 20 points in just 12 minutes.
As for the New York Knicks, despite strong performances from their core players, including Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points) and Jalen Brunson (31 points), they could never gain any real traction against the Pacers.
The Knicks shot poorly, especially from the field, and their inability to capitalize on opportunities when they had them ultimately cost them in this pivotal game. The Pacers’ defense and high-octane offense proved too much for the Knicks, who could not respond in the second half when it mattered most. With their 3-1 series lead, the Pacers can close it out in Game 5 and advance to their first NBA Finals since 2000.
With the series headed back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, it will be interesting to see how the Knicks will respond to being down 3-1 in front of their home crowd. The only way to get past Tuesday’s letdown is for the Knicks to play like there’s no tomorrow against Indiana.
Technically, there won’t be another game for the Knicks if they fall short of the Pacers in Game 5 because they’ll be eliminated from playoff contention. Even if they perform like Thursday’s matchup is their last, it may not be enough to defeat Indiana. The Pacers are just head and shoulders better than the Knicks right now, and the overall output throughout the series proves it.
