The Indiana Pacers secured a dominant 121-89 win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final. After going 0-2 down against the New York Knicks, Indy needed a strong response to make a comeback into the series. They have managed to do that by playing some high-intensity basketball. The Tyrese Haliburton-led team made things difficult for the Knicks right from the tip-off in Game 4 as they scored 34 points in the first quarter and restricted New York to just 14.
Having managed to take a 20-point lead inside the first half, the Indiana Pacers were destined to win on the night. Haliburton scored 20 points, while Obi Toppin, TJ McConnell and Isaiah Jackson added 39 points from the bench for Indy. They played some great defence on the Knicks and restricted them to only 33.7% shooting from the field and 18.9% shooting from three-point range. The otherwise energetic Knicks team had no answer to the fiery pace at which the Pacers were playing.
Throughout the four quarters, Indy had 22 fast break points. They pushed the pace and gave the Knicks no time to think, which indefinitely helped them massively on the night. The series will now head to New York for Game 5, which will be a crucial matchup in the series. Indy will be hoping to carry on the momentum into the game, while the Knicks will be looking to turn things around and be back to playing their style of basketball.
Injuries are hurting the New York Knicks in their series against the Pacers
The New York Knicks started the series high on momentum after beating the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. However, they have been playing with a few injuries which have led to poor performances in Games 3 and 4 against Indy. After losing Mitchell Robinson, the team are now also without OG Anunoby, who has been instrumental to their success since being traded to them.
The Knicks have a 13-16 record without him, which indicates how big a loss he is for Tom Thibodeau. OG’s ability to play on both ends of the floor has helped transform the New York Knicks into a contender. According to reports, it looks unlikely that the former NBA champion will be back into the Knicks lineup for Game 5 as he is yet to start running after the hamstring injury he suffered in Game 2.
To add to the misery, the Knicks are playing with an injured Jalen Brunson. The All-Star was questionable for Game 3 but showed up for the team. The Pacers have been hounding him and he certainly does not look like someone who is 100% fit.
Now it will be difficult to say that the Knicks would not be able to be back in the series. They have some great players, who can turn things around. Tom Thibodeau is an experienced coach and he will be looking to lead the Knicks out of the tough situation they are in right now.
