It was clear from the outset that the Pacers wanted to test the endurance of the Knicks. Down one to two in the semifinal round series, they understood that the onus was on them to once again lean on the support of the 17.274-strong fans at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse to draw even. And, as far as they were concerned, it meant pushing the pace at every opportunity. Not for nothing have they punctured the hoop with more consistency when they run, run, and, well, run. For Game Four, there was also the not insignificant fact that the blue and orange — already predisposed to a tight rotation — were further handicapped by the absence of regulars OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson.
Forty-eight live-action minutes later, the Pacers got the victory they wanted in the way they envisioned. They were energized from the get-go, and the weary Knicks proved unable to keep abreast. By the time the first quarter became part of history, the lead was 20 points. At the half, it had grown to 28. And after three periods, it was an insurmountable 38. So dominant were they that the visitors saw fit to empty the bench for the final canto. Apart from the first one and a half minutes, the blue and gold had such a chokehold on the set-to that not a few observers wondered if they finally found a sustainable formula for winning.
If there’s anything the National Basketball Association Playoffs have underscored over time, however, it’s that nothing — absolutely nothing — can be etched in stone. Pro scene annals have been privy to both otherworldly turns and monumental collapses in the postseason. Which is why the Pacers would do well not to succumb to a false sense of security. Complacency can yet be their downfall. For one thing, it’s not as if they’re in the driver’s seat; the best-of-seven affair is, after all, tied, with the Knicks retaining homecourt advantage. For another, there can be no underestimating the grit of Most Valuable Player candidate Jalen Brunson and Company.
All things considered, it’s fair to contend that today’s match will be critical for the Pacers. Triumph, and they get to head home with the chance to advance to the East Finals. Not that it will be easy, to be sure; they’ve prevailed only once at the Garden, and it was way back in February. Meanwhile, the Knicks — under the tutelage of extremely detail-oriented Tom Thibodeau — will most certainly be ready for a counter. In other words, a humdinger awaits.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
