Pacers Pour It On

Game four was a dream come true for the players clad in yellow and blue. These Pacers have been the postseason’s highest-scoring, and game four’s 121 points only added to that. Indiana hit 56.8% of their shots, 45.2% of their threes, and seven of their eight free throws. Six players finished with double figures. They turned the ball over 14 times, which is uncharacteristic. However, no team has turned the ball over less often in the playoffs. Let’s see if they can score more than 110 points for the sixth straight game. 

The Pacers didn’t allow fewer than 90 points in any regular season games. Add their first-round series to the mix, and that fact doesn’t change. Well, in game four, Indiana delivered their best defensive performance yet by limiting the Knicks to 89 points. They blocked seven shots, came up with nine steals, and Jalen Brunson was the only Knicks starter to finish with double figures. Allowing 31 free throw attempts could bite them in a tighter game, but the Pacers gave up the most attempts per game all season. They’re still this far. The only box left to check is holding New York under 120 in an MSG playoff game. 

Key Injuries – Benedict Mathurin (out)

Knicks Need to Dig Deep

Game four was a nightmare for New York’s favorite team. Ignore the injuries, there aren’t any good reasons why they should trail by 43 points during a second-round matchup. The Knicks shot 33.7% from the floor, 18.9% from three, and 71.0% at the free throw line. There was a lid on the rim from start to finish. They may have grabbed 16 offensive boards, but that’s not as impressive with 59 missed shots. Let’s see if this offense can bounce back after awful performances by Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. Those three are needed now more than ever. 

New York’s defense could not come up with a stop either. They gave up 121 points on eight free throw attempts. Indiana had 31 assists on the night, so the Knicks were leaving Pacers players open. After leading the NBA in rebounding percentage, New York let Indiana beat them there on Sunday too. DiVincenzo was the only regular rotation player to come up with a block. Will the shorthanded Knicks steal one?

Key Injuries – Julius Randle (out); Bojan Bogdanovic (out); Mitchell Robinson (out); OG Anunoby (out)