Eastern Conference Finals Showdown Between Knicks and Pacers: Revenge Sought and a Potential NewAntagonist Emerges
Ready to dive into the action? Here we go!
So, it's the Knicks against the Pacers again, just like in the '90s! They've both made it to the Eastern Conference finals, reviving their long-standing rivalry. Let's break down this play-off matchup:
Chance for double revenge
Last year, the Knicks fell to the Pacers in the second round. After taking an early lead, they lost four out of five games and lost Game 7 at home. With a fully healthy roster this time around, the Knicks are ready to right last year's wrong. Oh, and did I mention the Pacers also eliminated the Knicks the last time they made it to the Eastern Conference finals? Revenge would be sweet, indeed.
New villain
Tyrese Haliburton isn't Reggie Miller, but he plays the role of the villain pretty well. After helping the Pacers defeat the Knicks last year, he flaunted Miller's famous "choking gesture" during his press conference. Haliburton and the Pacers love to get under their opponents' skin, especially when they're playing at home. Once the tension starts, it's a game of nerves.
Track meet
The Pacers play a fast-paced game, pushing their opponents harder than they'd prefer. In the regular season, they averaged 100.8 possessions per 48 minutes (seventh most in the NBA). The Knicks, on the other hand, favored a slower pace with just 97.08 possessions (fourth fewest). During the playoffs, the Pacers are averaging 99.3 possessions, while the Knicks are at 95.3.
Stay tuned for more insights on this exciting series!
- Catch our articles on "The basketball trinity that turned Knicks from joke into title contender"
- "Mikal Bridges finally becoming difference-maker the Knicks need"
- "The key storylines in Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals - from revenge to a new villain"
- "Knicks party with Timothee Chalamet, Russell Wilson at club after Game 6 win"
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In the meantime, keep an eye out for the Knicks' 3-point shooting. The Pacers are shooting an impressive 40.6 percent from deep this postseason, and the Knicks' defense has been a bit inconsistent. The Knicks themselves have been hot and cold, shooting 35.8 percent from deep this postseason. Stay tuned for updates!
[1] [2] [3] [4] (Sources for Enrichment Data)
"As the Knicks and Pacers face off once more, the NBA nostalgia is electrifying. Given their past encounters, including the Pacers' elimination of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, this play-off contest promises a thrilling series of basketball matches."
"With both teams displaying fast-paced offensive strategies, the game might resemble a track meet, especially considering the Pacers' seventh-highest possession rate in the NBA regular season and the Knicks' reluctance to follow suit."
