The remix of the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers rivalry heads into Game 2 Wednesday night as the only NBA playoff game on the evening’s schedule. It was called a remix, but the first game put memories of the legendary rivalry on ice with an offensive explosion that Knicks-Pacers teams of the ’90s rarely managed. The match at Madison Square Garden ended with a stunning final score of 121-117 without any overtime.
One thing that sounds familiar to anyone who has ever watched Knicks games? The evening didn’t end without a little drama, which we’ll discuss below.
But ultimately, the first game promised a thriller of a series, and tonight’s game could continue to live up to the hype. Here’s a look at Wednesday’s only NBA playoff game, including staff picks, odds and a preview.
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No. 6 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 2 New York Knicks
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Series odds: Knicks -400, Pacers +300
New York leads the series 1-0
The headlines from Game 1 of this series were, as is often the case in the NBA playoffs, about officiating. And yes, if you’re a Pacers fan — or a human being with eyes — a mobile screen call late in the fourth quarter and a huge flop by Donte DiVincenzo seemed like a very questionable decision for the final seconds of a playoff game. That, plus a kick, admitted that the NBA’s postgame report was a mistake.
Yes, it was frustrating and it shouldn’t happen in playoff games.
But to focus on the officiating is to miss some of the best storylines of this explosive and gritty first game. Unlike the Knicks-Pacers rivalry of the ’90s, this game was all about offense on Monday night — the final score was 238 points in regulation.
The Pacers led for most of the game, looking fast and physical, but the Knicks simply outplayed them, outplayed them and outlasted them in the fourth quarter.
But let’s not forget that monster dunk from Aaron Nesmith.
AARON NESMITH ON YOUR HEAD 😤 pic.twitter.com/V3VP8VEStN
– Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 7, 2024
Jalen Brunson, as expected, was the hero of the winning team, with little to match on the Pacers’ side. Brunson is on pace to reach an NBA playoff record with his fourth straight 40-point game. He is perched there with Michael Jordan (1993) and Bernard King (1984). Two more, and he will tie Jerry West (1965) for the all-time record. He had 21 of those points in the fourth quarter and the Pacers had no answer.
Myles Turner was Indiana’s leading scorer, scoring 23 points. Three Knicks players had more. Tyrese Haliburton was held to just 6 points and two rebounds, although he had eight assists.
But here’s what the Knicks have to watch out for: only 3 of their 121 points came from their bench. The Pacers almost won this game, thanks to depth that the Knicks just couldn’t find. Nearly 40 percent of the Pacers’ points came from the bench. The Knicks can win a game, sure, but can they win a seven-game series? They have to figure out how to give their starters a break, something coach Tom Thibodeau is not known for doing.
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(Photo by Jalen Brunson and TJ McConnell: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)