Knicks vs Pacers: Three Unanswered Questions For Jalen Brunson and Team After Their Win at Maddison Square Garden
After going down 1-3 in the series, it has to go down to every possession in the next three games. Postseason games are already competitive, and now there is 0 tolerance for errors, especially for the Knicks. They took care of the business at Madison Square Garden, winning the game 5, but there are still some unanswered questions in the Knicks vs Pacers series.
Yes, the odds are against the team down by 2 in the series, but statistically, they were meant to win Game 5. Don’t be surprised, historically, the home teams down 3-1 are 32-12 in Game 5s. After the win, the stats are now 33-12, but the hard work starts now. Game 6 always favored the team in the lead, especially when they are playing at home. So, we will go through those three unanswered questions, which might make the Knicks become the 14th side to come back from a 1-3 deficit.
Has the Knicks Unlocked Tyrese Haliburton’s Offense?
In the first four games, Tyrese Haliburton averaged 24.25 points and 11 assists per game. He was the driving force for the Indy offence, and stopping him makes the game easier for opponents. In game 5, he was held to just eight points with six assists in the game. Was it the Knicks’ defence that worked, or did Tyrese have one of the bad games (after a spotless performance in game 4).
Cleveland gave him similar treatment in game 3, and it’s clear that the Pacers are ‘pathetic’ without Tyrese’s game. It’s something that the Knicks would like to work on if they are looking to pull up a series ‘upset’.
Dominance of Knicks in Game – Will that Continue in Game 6?
Yes, it was a home game, and the crowd fueled energy in the Knicks’ players on the court. But spectators saw something that was completely new for the Tom Thibodeau’s side in the series – complete dominance.
Firstly, the Pacers have never been held under 100 points in the ongoing postseason so far, even in the losses. Secondly, the Indiana side didn’t lead for a single second of the game. The Knicks outscored them 60-34 in the paint, and with fewer turnovers, the side also managed to minimize the fastbreak points. The Knicks actually forced 20 turnovers by an Indiana team that was fourth in the NBA in turnover rate, and allowed just 20 assists.
Another aspect that both sides will be looking into for game 6.
Big Question – is there Game 7?
Out of 297 series with a 3-1 lead, 82 ended up in game 6 – that’s 27 per cent chances. Yet there were 32 instances where game seven was played, just below 11 per cent probability. The history would favor Indiana with the home court on game 6, but if the Knicks continue to dismantle the Pacers’ offence, there is a possibility of game 7 in the conference final – only the fifth time in the NBA history we will have game 7 in the CF or later.
This is the tricky part, but we have already seen thirteen teams forcing a Game 7 and completing the comeback. Fand would love to watch the Garden hosting Game 7. Sadly, the Knicks are 0-15 in situations where they’ve been down 3-1 in the playoffs and winning the series. It includes three previous instances against the Pacers.
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