MAY 10, 2024 — The 2023-24 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the action continues as we have moved to the second round. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Indiana Pacers (51-40 SU, 48-40-3 ATS) hosting the New York Knicks (56-34 SU, 48-41-1).
Here is a look at how this series has unfolded thus far.
Tipoff
When: Thursday, May 10, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: ESPN
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks – Series Recap & Trends
Can The Pacers Get Their First Win In This Series?
The Pacers’ good news is that Games 1 and 2 could have gone either way. The bad news is that they find themselves in a 0-2 hole as the scene shifts to Indianapolis for the next two contests.
In their 130-121 loss in Game 2, Tyrese Haliburton paced the team’s offense with a team-high 34 points on 11-for-19 shooting from the field and a respectable 7-for-11 from beyond the arc. He also tallied nine assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Here is what the Pacers guard thought about the team’s performance via CBS Sports.
“I just felt like we took advantage of what was given,” Haliburton said. “Obviously, watching the Game 1 film, it has obviously been sitting with us that we gotta be better of getting downhill and getting more paint attacks.”
Obi Toppin, who came off the bench, gave the road team some scoring punch with 20 points while shooting 70 percent from the field. Unfortunately, the frontcourt duo of Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner were held in check. Siakam scored 14 points and had nine rebounds, but he shot 7-for-18 from the floor and 0-for-3 from 3-point range. Turner finished with just six points and seven rebounds on 3-for-11 shooting.
The Pacers’ offense was efficient, as the team shot 51.6 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from the 3-point line. But their defense was not very exciting, as the Knicks outscored them 67-48 in the second half, including a 36-18 advantage in the game-changing third quarter.
Can The Knicks Take A Commanding 3-0 Lead?
The Knicks are in the conference semifinal round for the second straight season. After being ousted by the Miami Heat in this round in last year’s playoffs, they were out to prove they are deserving of the No. 2 seed. And through the first two games of this series, it would be difficult to refute that sentiment.
In the team’s 130-121 win in Game 2, Jalen Brunson led the charge with 29 points on 11-for-18 shooting from the field while connecting on three of his six attempts from long range. Brunson also had five assists and three steals. The Knicks’ All-Star. Brunson exited the game in the second quarter with a foot injury but returned to the rotation to score 24 of his 29 points in the final 24 minutes of action.
“The mental toughness piece is so important,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “To get through things. To be at your best when your best is needed, even when you may not be feeling your best. That’s who (Jalen) is. He’s a great leader.”
Alongside Brunson’s production, the Knicks also received contributions from several other players. OG Anunoby scored 28 points and grabbed four rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points on 6-for-12 shooting from deep. Josh Hart — who has played really well in these playoffs — contributed 19 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.
Like the Pacers, New York’s offense also had a good showing in this contest, shooting 57 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from downtown. Unfortunately, there is cause for concern heading into the next game. Jalen Brunson is listed as questionable for Game 3. Furthermore, OG Anunoby will miss Game 3, and he is not expected to suit up in Game 4.
So, while the Knicks have control of the series, the momentum could easily shift if injuries continue to be an issue.
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