For the Knicks to make Game 6?
Well, here we are. One more loss away until elimination. Coming into this series, I really didn’t think the Knicks were going to lose to the Pacers two years in a row. Especially with the momentum they carried into Game 1 after the Boston series win, I really thought this was it. They took care of Boston, Indiana took care of Cleveland, and it just felt like all of the stars were aligned that this would be the year. As Game 1 unfolded, there were points I thought the Knicks might even sweep through Indiana (maybe I was a little biased), but that all changed the second Haliburton’s shot bounced in.
Every ounce of momentum and wind behind their sails was gone. Just like that. In a flash, or a New York minute, I just knew from witnessing every shocking moment between the two teams during their infamous 90’s battles, that it was going to be very hard for the Knicks to mentally rebound from that shot.
Dropping both games at home felt like the nail in the coffin for the Knicks. But in Game 4, Tom Thibodeau finally did what fans and analysts had been urging all season: he expanded the rotation and moved Josh Hart to the bench. The adjustment paid off, as the Knicks secured a much-needed win and clawed their way back into the series.
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While watching last night’s game, it was clear that Tom Thibodeau entered with the same game plan that proved effective in Game 3 by starting Mitchell Robinson at center. However, Thibodeau ultimately reverted to his old tendencies. Robinson didn’t see the floor in the fourth quarter, while Josh Hart logged 36 minutes off the bench, 17 more than Robinson. Although Hart finished with 11 rebounds, he led the Knicks in turnovers and fouled out midway through the fourth.
And so here we are. Game 5 looms tomorrow night. It doesn’t feel like a miracle is needed to force a Game 6, but getting back to Madison Square Garden for a Game 7? That might take something close to it.
So which of the factors will be the difference maker if the Knicks were to have at least two more games at the Garden this season?