The Indiana Pacers dominated the New York Knicks in a lopsided 121-89 victory in Game 4 of their second-round series. The Pacers demonstrated a clear game plan that involved wearing out the wounded and weary Knicks with a heavy emphasis on pressuring Jalen Brunson as soon as he touched the ball. They assigned Aaron Nesmith, a bigger and more rugged defender, to challenge Brunson physically and used their depth advantage to play at a high pace, aiming to exhaust the Knicks. This strategic approach paid off as the Pacers shot a remarkable 57% from the field and made 14 3-pointers, while the Knicks appeared sluggish and slow, with key players like Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart struggling.
Jalen Brunson emerged as the key player for the Knicks in this series, with the outcome seemingly hinging on his performance. However, over the last two games, Brunson faced significant challenges, shooting just 9-of-27 when matched up against Nesmith. His game showed signs of fatigue, compounded by a sore right foot that affected his shooting mechanics. Despite scoring 18 points in Game 4, Brunson shot only 6-of-17 from the field and struggled to find his rhythm against the Pacers’ defensive pressure. His resilience and ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial for the Knicks moving forward in what has become a best-of-three series.
The Knicks have been dealing with injuries to key players like Mitchell Robinson and O.G. Anunoby, affecting their performance and depth. With Robinson out for the season and Anunoby likely to miss Game 5 due to a hamstring injury, the Knicks are starting to show signs of wear and fatigue. The Pacers capitalized on this advantage, particularly in the quick turnaround between Games 3 and 4, where they established an early lead and maintained their intensity throughout the game. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the need for his team to respond with determination and focus heading into the next game.
The Pacers’ dominance at home, with a 10-game winning streak including a perfect 5-0 record in the playoffs, poses a significant challenge for the Knicks as they head to Madison Square Garden for Game 5. The Knicks, who have struggled when Anunoby is absent, face a crucial moment in the series where they need to rally and showcase their competitive spirit and resilience. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the Knicks’ fighting spirit and emphasized the importance of focusing on their own game plan and execution.
Overall, Game 4 of the Pacers vs Knicks series highlighted the impact of strategic planning, player performance, injuries, and home court advantage on the outcome of playoff games. As the series heads into a decisive phase, both teams will need to make adjustments and show resilience to secure a spot in the next round. The Pacers’ convincing victory in Game 4 underscored their depth and defensive prowess, while the Knicks face a critical moment where they must regroup, refocus, and bring their best effort in Game 5 to stay alive in the playoffs.
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