Three keys for Knicks to beat Pacers in Game 2 after epic collapse

The New York Knicks must win Game 2 to preserve any hopes of advancing past the Indiana Pacers.

After a heart-wrenching loss on Wednesday night in Game 1, winning Game 2 is critical not only for tying the series but for restoring psychological momentum. 

The Knicks led by 17 points in the fourth quarter and by 14 with under three minutes remaining at Madison Square Garden, only to see the Pacers force overtime and steal the victory, fueled by Aaron Nesmith’s absurd six 3-pointers in the final five minutes and Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beating two-pointer.

New York’s stunning collapse, one of the most improbable in playoff history—breaking a 977-0 record for teams leading by 14 with 2:50 left—has left the Knicks and their fanbase reeling.

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Here are three things New York must do to bounce back in Game 2 and head to Indiana with the series tied.

1. Sustain Defensive Intensity for 48 Minutes

Game 1 exposed the Knicks’ inability to sustain effort for 48 minutes, as they took their collective foot off the gas in the fourth quarter and allowed Nesmith to go 6-for-6 from three in the clutch. The Pacers’ high-paced, five-out offense, orchestrated by Haliburton, thrives on exploiting defensive breakdowns. To counter this, the Knicks must maintain consistent communication and effort until the final whistle, particularly in pick-and-roll defense targeting Karl-Anthony Towns. 

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad cannot afford any more late-game miscues that doomed them in Game 1. Locking in defensively for the full game is essential moving forward in this series.

2. Keep Attacking the Glass

The Knicks outrebounded Indiana 46-39 in Game 1, and New York should look to lean into that advantage the rest of the way. Both Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson can overwhelm Myles Turner on the glass, and Josh Hart’s insane rebounding for a guard will continue to play a key role (Hart pulled down 13 boards in Game 1).

New York needs to find a way to keep Obi Toppin off the glass. Toppin had a team-high 10 rebounds in Game 1, and no other Pacer had more than five. In particular, Toppin is dangerous when it comes to putback dunks off of jump-shot misses from Indiana’s guards. Toppin is an incredible leaper and poses a huge risk on second-chance opportunities.

3. Win the Tempo and Bench-Scoring Battles

The Knicks didn’t slow down the Pacers’ tempo enough in Game 1, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Knicks must dictate a methodical pace, leaning on Brunson’s patience and Mitchell’s offensive rebounding to extend possessions. 

They also need contributions from their bench to match Indiana’s reserves, who outscored New York’s bench 31-17 in Game 1.

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