In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, the Indiana Pacers secured a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, winning 114-109. Before the game, Coach Rick Carlisle addressed the team's distinctive style of play, emphasizing that it does not require every player to fit a specific mold. "Not every player we have on our team is a perfect fit with exactly what we do," Carlisle stated. "But coaching is about taking some parts that aren't necessarily identical and finding a way to bring out the strengths of those players to meld them with the rest." This statement highlights the adaptability of the Pacers as they continue to flourish in the playoffs.
Coach Carlisle strongly resists the notion of being labeled a system coach. He believes his role is to maximize the potential of the roster he has been given. Despite this, the Pacers have undeniably developed a unique identity characterized by their relentless speed, effective ball movement, player rotation, and aggressive ball pressure. This style of play is demanding and requires significant effort from all team members.
The second victory of the week for the Pacers was less dramatic than their first but showcased their consistent gameplay. With less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Tyrese Haliburton made a pivotal play by grabbing a defensive rebound and delivering a perfect outlet pass to Pascal Siakam, who finished with an easy layup on the break. This ability to execute in high-pressure moments demonstrates the Pacers' resilience and teamwork.
Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks have struggled defensively against the Pacers. Although Mitchell Robinson posed some challenges for Indiana in the first half, Siakam and the rest of the team quickly found their rhythm. Notably, T.J. McConnell's pressure on New York's defense early in the fourth quarter contributed significantly to Indiana's success. Unlike their previous series against the Boston Celtics, where they forced stagnant possessions, the Knicks have not been able to replicate that defensive success against Indiana.
New York's wing, Mikal Bridges, acknowledged the need for improved communication and execution on defense. "We might be playing a bit too soft at the beginning of halves," he remarked. This concern is valid, as the Knicks' starters are allowing a staggering 155.1 points per 100 possessions during this series. The question remains why Coach Tom Thibodeau has yet to incorporate Robinson or Miles McBride into the starting lineup to address these defensive shortcomings.
The Pacers possess a significant depth advantage that complements their commitment to a high-octane style of play. "It's so important, our speed and the way we play, just wearing teams down," said Indiana wing Ben Sheppard. Their chaotic yet effective offensive strategy has proven challenging for opponents, as they do not rely heavily on structured plays. Instead, players frequently reject screens, and the ball handlers often switch roles, creating a dynamic offensive flow.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Indiana's offense is its efficiency. Thanks to Haliburton’s leadership, the team finished the regular season with a remarkably low turnover rate of 13%, ranking third in the NBA. In the playoffs, that rate has dipped even further to 12.1%, with just one turnover in each of the fourth quarters of Games 1 and 2 against the Knicks. This efficiency is a testament to the Pacers' disciplined approach, even amidst a frenetic playing style.
As the series progresses, Coach Carlisle emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amidst the distractions of playoff basketball. "We always talk about letting the noise be something to help trigger a narrowed focus on your teammates and your job within the team," he noted. Indiana's ability to hold their composure through intense crowd noise and pressure has positioned them favorably as they look ahead to Game 3.
With their season on the line, the Knicks will need to tighten their defensive strategies and adjust their rotations to stay competitive. As the Pacers continue to define their identity and capitalize on their strengths, New York must respond decisively if they hope to turn the tide in this playoff series.
