The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks find themselves deadlocked at 2-2 as the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5. In a commanding performance, the Pacers routed the Knicks with a final score of 121-89. It’s time to set the record straight: I was completely off base with my predictions for this series.
After the Pacers dropped that nail-biter of a second game against the Knicks, I was ready to count them out entirely. I didn’t believe Indiana had the resilience, the fortitude, or the playoff experience to bounce back, even in the series. I had written them off, anticipating a swift conclusion in five games.
At best, I figured the Pacers might steal a single game, but I fully expected the Knicks to dominate and close it out 4-1. Needless to say, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Credit where credit is due: Indiana came out swinging in Game 4. While Game 3 saw Jalen Brunson heat up in the second half, ultimately falling short for the Knicks, the Pacers showed remarkable resolve to secure the win and square the series.
In stark contrast to previous games, this matchup unfolded quite differently. Tyrese Haliburton showcased his prowess, delivering a solid performance with 20 points in 28 minutes, accompanied by five assists and six rebounds. His contribution was significant, particularly with four successful three-pointers. Pascal Siakam also felt his presence, tallying 14 points in 22 minutes, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Miles Turner stepped up with an impressive stat line as well, recording 13 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two assists in 26 minutes of play.
While no player experienced a breakout offensive explosion, the collective effort from the team proved effective. It was a balanced performance across the board, with each player contributing to the overall success of the team. Interestingly, there are indications that Jalen Brunson may be experiencing a slowdown. This could potentially be attributed to the heavy workload and accumulated minutes he has shouldered over the past few weeks.
During these intense, emotionally, and physically demanding games, it’s evident that Jalen Brunson may be feeling the effects of his recent performances. Following a grueling series against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he logged heavy minutes and delivered multiple 40-point performances, Brunson’s energy levels might be waning as he enters this series. Given the circumstances, there’s a possibility of some slippage in Brunson’s performance, opening the door for Indiana to capitalize and add another layer of intrigue to the series in game five. Coach Tom Thibodeau made a prudent decision in the second half by benching his key players, including Brunson, to preserve their health and prevent unnecessary fatigue. With the game essentially decided, risking injury or further exhaustion wasn’t worth it for the Knicks.
Looking ahead to the next game at Madison Square Garden, Brunson’s level of rest could be crucial in determining the outcome. Given his heavy workload in recent games, it remains to be seen how effectively he’ll bounce back. While Brunson didn’t deliver his best performance in this game, a well-rested and rejuvenated version of him could potentially turn the tide in the Knicks’ favor.
In the early stages of this game, Jalen Brunson struggled to find his rhythm, managing just three points in the first half. However, he managed to rally and finished the game with 18 points, although on a 6-of-17 shooting performance. Despite logging 31 minutes on the court, his scoring output fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, Josh Hart’s impact was minimal, contributing just two points, three rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes of play. Donte DiVincenzo also had a challenging outing, shooting 3 of 13 from the field and scoring seven points in 32 minutes, with limited success from beyond the arc. For the New York Knicks, it was a disappointing performance overall. Although some contributions were off the bench from Miles McBride and Alec Burks, it wasn’t sufficient to tip the scales in their favor. The Knicks needed their key players to step up, but they fell short.
In contrast, the Indiana Pacers executed their game plan effectively. They didn’t rely on individual heroics but instead on team-oriented basketball. The ball movement was fluid, creating opportunities for open shots, which the Pacers capitalized on. Their three-point shooting was particularly impressive, with 14 threes made compared to the Knicks’ seven, despite attempting fewer shots from beyond the arc.
The Pacers’ bench also played a crucial role in their victory. Obi Toppin contributed 14 points, providing a spark off the bench. Meanwhile, T.J. McConnell delivered a standout performance with 15 points, 10 assists, two steals, and four rebounds in 21 minutes of play, making significant contributions on both ends of the floor. Overall, a comprehensive team effort from the Pacers propelled them to victory in this crucial matchup.
With the series now tied at 2-2, the Pacers head back to Madison Square Garden for a pivotal Game 5. Despite the challenging environment of the Garden, where the Knicks have historically thrived, Indiana will look to build on their momentum and secure another victory.
A win in Game 5 would firmly tilt the momentum of the series in the Pacers’ favor. However, it won’t be an easy task, as the Knicks are known for their resilience and ability to respond in pressure situations. Head coach Tom Thibodeau will undoubtedly be looking for ways to extract more production from his key players, especially after their lackluster performance in Game 4. Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks have relied on their players to step up when called upon. However, in recent games, including Game 4, their best players have struggled to deliver in clutch moments.
As the series unfolds, Thibodeau will need to make strategic adjustments to reignite his team’s offensive firepower and regain control of the series. One lingering concern for the Knicks is the potential fatigue of star player Jalen Brunson, who has shown signs of slowing down in recent outings. While Brunson has demonstrated his ability to elevate his game in critical moments, there are growing indications that the heavy workload may be taking its toll.
As the series progresses, both teams will be looking to make the necessary adjustments to gain the upper hand. With the series’ outcome still uncertain, Game 5 promises to be a pivotal showdown between two determined teams vying for supremacy in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
