NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers Game 3
Game 3: New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers Sat. May 11, 2013 8 p.m. ET
Before heading into the second round of the NBA playoffs, the consensus seemed to be that the New York Knicks were destined to face-off against the defending NBA champion Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Although New York and Miami may still go head-to-head in the East Finals, the Knicks have collided with a formidable opponent in the second round in the form of the Indiana Pacers.
In Game 1, the Pacers proved they weren’t intimidated by the Knicks and their high-powered offense. Indiana prided themselves on the defensive side of the basketball floor during the regular season and that has carried over into the postseason.
Although the Pacers weren’t given much respect initially in Las Vegas odds, the tables have turned after Paul George and company were able to pull off the upset against the Knicks in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York. That loss sent shockwaves throughout the Knicks organization leading to speculation that this team may not be advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
With Indiana taking Game 1 and the series shifting to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Pacers have been favored to come out on top in Game 3 against the Knicks. New York may be the better all-around team in this series, but the team is inconsistent to say the least and relies too much on the outside shot to be a force.
As a result of streaky basketball by the Knicks, the Pacers have an opportunity to take the series lead on their home floor. Indiana has played brilliantly at home this season and that may very well continue moving forward, but the Knicks crushed the Pacers in Game 2 leading me to believe the offensive dominance will continue.