Former Knicks expect tough Pacers series with one huge X factor

It has been too long. It has been far too long. 

It has been a quarter century since the Knicks appeared in the Eastern Conference finals, most of that time spent with Clyde Frazier sitting courtside, watching some of the NBA’s worst teams transform the image of a long proud franchise. 

Wednesday night that conference finals drought — the league’s third longest — ends with Game 1 against the Pacers at Madison Square Garden, a gift to the diehards who wondered if they would die before such a day would come. 

“They’re the greatest fans in the world and they’ve been suffering a long time, so I’m really happy for them to see what the Garden used to be like,” Frazier said during an appearance at the 19th annual BTIG Charity Day. “Everything is falling into place. They control their own destiny. I think [Oklahoma City] has gotta be the [title] favorite, but so was Boston, so was Cleveland.” 

Following their massive upset of the defending champion Celtics in their second-round series, the Knicks open their playoff rematch with the Pacers — fresh off an upset of the top-seeded Cavaliers — as slight favorites, holding home-court advantage. 

But it was only a month ago that the Knicks were heavy favorites against the Pistons, then scratched their way to a six-game series win, claiming three games by three points or fewer. 

“This is a tough series, tougher than people may think because [the Pacers] don’t have the cachet of the Celtics,” St. John’s coach — and former Knicks coach — Rick Pitino said. “[Indiana coach] Rick Carlisle is as good of a basketball mind as there is in the game. Thank God we have [Tom Thibodeau] because it’s gonna be a tough battle. 

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“I think if they can stay close in the fourth quarter, you feel like they’re definitely going to win. [Jalen] Brunson has the ability, I’ve never seen a 6-1 guy have the ability to get any shot he wants. He’s just amazing.” 

While Indiana holds the edge in depth, former Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury sees Brunson as the difference in the series, owning the edge against Indiana All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. 

“He’s the ultimate leader,” Marbury said of Brunson. “To me, he’s the best guard in the NBA, First-Team All-NBA, him and [MVP front-runner] Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].” 

Like last year’s second-round matchup against the Pacers, Frazier predicts the series will end with Game 7 at the Garden. Naturally, the Knicks icon expects a different ending. 

Then, the focus can turn to the next drought, 52 years since the franchise’s second title. 

Frazier holds up each of his hands, bringing his two championship rings into focus. 

“If you want these, you gotta overcome adversity,” Frazier said. “The [Knicks are] seeking revenge, but the Pacers have confidence. The [Knicks are] gonna suffer from fatigue — [The Pacers] play 10 guys, we play seven — but you gotta overcome it. You want to be a champion, you gotta deal with the trials and tribulations. 

“I haven’t played in [46] years, but you see how the people react when they see me. If they win a championship, this is their legacy.”