The New York Knicks are down 3-1 to the Pacers. It seems all hope is lost right now, and the Knicks look discombobulated as a whole. With their backs against the wall, do they have a chance to come back from down 3-1?
Comebacks like this have happened 13 times before in NBA history. The Knicks are trying to be team number 14, but it’s not likely. Historically they are 0-15 when trailing in a series 3-1.
In yesterday’s Game Four loss to the Pacers, the Knicks had 17 turnovers to the Pacers’ 11. Josh Hart had five crucial turnovers that led to their loss in this game. Tyrese Haliburton had a phenomenal game yesterday, in which he registered a triple-double and had a ratio of 15 assists to 0 turnovers. Between the lack of three-point defense, which has been killing them all season, and the turnovers, it is tough to imagine the Knicks pulling this off.
The Knicks are going to have to come out on fire in game five. They need to start the scoring off early and lock in on defense. If the offense starts to look sluggish or there is a lack of defense, Coach Thibodeau is going to have to go to his bench sooner rather than later. They can’t afford to be outcoached tomorrow; they have to make adjustments, especially early on in the game, if need be. These three games, if possible, are all going to come down to three things: three-point defense, trusting the bench, and cleaning up those turnovers.
While the series may feel like it’s over, the fat lady has yet to sing. If the Knicks can show some life, maybe they really can extend this to seven games and pull off the comeback. They will have the faithful in the building, cheering for them until the end. They will then have to go back on the road for one more in Indiana if they win. If they can steal that one, then they go back home with the Garden rocking for Game Seven. It’s all in the Knicks’ hands tomorrow night for Game Five. Will they come out firing on all cylinders, or will they wave the white flag in the end?
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