The Eastern Conference Finals are set, pitting the New York Knicks against the Indiana Pacers. This series isn’t just about Jalen Brunson’s scoring prowess versus Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking wizardry; it’s a clash of contrasting styles and a rekindling of an old rivalry. For Knicks fans, the Pacers conjure up memories of Reggie Miller, whose playoff heroics haunt Madison Square Garden to this day. Will history repeat itself, or can the Knicks exorcise those demons?
This preview dives into the key matchups, analyzes each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately predicts who will advance to the NBA Finals. From Towns’s outside shooting to the Pacers’ impressive depth, we’ll break down every aspect of this compelling series, providing insights and analysis to help you stay informed throughout the Eastern Conference Finals.
Series Schedule
Here’s how to watch the series:
All times Eastern Standard Time
- Game 1: Pacers vs. Knicks; Wednesday, May 21 (8 p.m., TNT)
- Game 2: Pacers vs. Knicks; Friday, May 23 (8 p.m., TNT)
- Game 3: Knicks vs. Pacers; Sunday, May 25 (8 p.m., TNT)
- Game 4: Knicks vs. Pacers; Tuesday, May 27 (8 p.m., TNT)
- Game 5: Pacers vs. Knicks; Thursday, May 29 (8 p.m., TNT)*
- Game 6: Knicks vs. Pacers; Saturday, May 31 (8 p.m., TNT)*
- Game 7: Pacers vs. Knicks; Monday, June 2 (8 p.m., TNT)*
* = If necessary
Pace and Tempo: A Clash of Styles
The Knicks and Pacers boast similar season-long stats and efficiency ratings, both limiting opponents to around 113 points per 100 possessions. However, their approaches to scoring differ significantly. New York prefers a deliberate half-court game, relying on Jalen Brunson to create opportunities. Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns form a potent duo, but the Knicks’ bench production is among the league’s lowest.
Indiana, in contrast, thrives on pace and transition offense. They pressure opponents full court and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. With seven players averaging double figures, the Pacers boast a balanced and versatile attack. Pascal Siakam leads the team in scoring, while Tyrese Haliburton excels as a playmaker, always looking to find open teammates. The Pacers ranked seventh in pace this season, while the Knicks were near the bottom of the league.
Towns From Downtown: A Key to the Knicks’ Offense
Karl-Anthony Towns’s ability to stretch the floor is crucial for the Knicks’ offense. His three-point shooting prowess opens up driving lanes for Brunson and creates mismatches for opposing defenses. However, Towns struggled from beyond the arc in the previous series against Boston, shooting just 15.8%. The Knicks need Towns to regain his shooting touch to maximize their offensive potential.
Indiana’s Myles Turner, another center with three-point range, will look to counter Towns on the perimeter. Siakam and Obi Toppin are also capable of defending Towns on the perimeter, potentially limiting his impact on the series.
Pacers’ Depth vs. Knicks’ Starters
The Pacers possess a significant advantage in terms of depth. Coach Rick Carlisle can confidently utilize 11 players, providing versatility and flexibility. Ten Pacers averaged at least 19 minutes per game, allowing Carlisle to mix and match lineups based on the situation. In contrast, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is known for relying heavily on his starters, often limiting his rotation to just seven or eight players.
While the Knicks’ starters have proven durable, the Pacers’ depth could wear them down over the course of a long series. The ability to spread the fouls around is another benefit of Indiana’s deeper roster, particularly in a physical series.
The Anunoby Factor: A Two-Way Force
OG Anunoby’s impact on the Knicks is undeniable. Since joining the team, New York has a stellar record when he scores 20 or more points. Anunoby contributes on both ends of the court, providing scoring, defense, and versatility. He’s likely to draw defensive assignments against Siakam, among others, making his performance crucial to the Knicks’ success.
Anunoby’s ability to contain Siakam and contribute offensively will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. His two-way presence provides a significant boost to the Knicks, making him a player to watch closely.
Key Numbers to Know
The Pacers’ effective field goal percentage through the first two rounds of the playoffs is an astounding 58.3%, on pace to be the highest in NBA history. Their offense has been significantly better in the playoffs than in the regular season, scoring 117.4 points per 100 possessions.
Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam have all been incredibly efficient, ranking among the league leaders in effective field goal percentage. However, the Pacers’ shot quality ranks just seventh in the playoffs, suggesting they may be due for some regression.
Reggie Miller’s Shadow Over Madison Square Garden
No discussion about the Knicks and Pacers is complete without mentioning Reggie Miller. His playoff performances against the Knicks, particularly in the 1990s, are legendary, and his name still evokes strong emotions in New York. Miller’s ability to hit clutch shots and get under the skin of Knicks fans made him a villain in the Big Apple.
While Miller is long retired, his legacy looms large over this series. The Knicks will be looking to avenge those past defeats, while the Pacers will be hoping to channel Miller’s spirit. The intensity and emotion surrounding this rivalry add another layer of intrigue to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Conclusion: Pacers Poised to Advance
The Knicks and Pacers are both deserving contenders, but Indiana’s depth, pace, and balanced attack give them the edge. While Brunson and Towns are a formidable duo, the Pacers’ ability to counter with multiple scoring threats and their superior bench production will be the difference.
The Pacers’ depth and recent taste of the Conference Finals are poised to propel them to victory. While the Knicks will put up a strong fight, Indiana’s overall talent and adaptability will ultimately prevail. Expect a hard-fought, competitive series, but ultimately, the Pacers will advance to the NBA Finals in six games.
Leave a Reply