Top radio host explains shocking Knicks take: 'They did not choke'

Are the New York Knicks receiving too much criticism for choking away Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals?

On Thursday’s episode of The Herd on FOX Sports Radio, host Colin Cowherd made a surprising case in defense of the Knicks following their stunning 138-135 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Despite the Knicks blowing a 14-point lead in the final minutes, Cowherd argued that the narrative of a choke job was misplaced, instead praising the Pacers’ relentless offensive onslaught.

“So the Knicks had a 14-point lead, wasn't much time left, and they lost in overtime,” Cowherd said. 

“But I'm gonna defend the Knicks. They did not choke. The Knicks had three baskets and two free throws in the final three minutes. They scored enough. Now they had some bad turnovers, but they scored enough. The story of the game is: Give the Pacers credit. That was insane. They couldn't miss in the last six minutes. They shot over 70 percent, and they were hard shots.”

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Rather than blast the Knicks, Cowherd chose to highlight the Pacers’ historic performance, particularly Aaron Nesmith’s explosion from three-point range. 

“Aaron Nesmith: six straight threes, three in the final minute,” Cowherd said.

Cowherd also attributed Indiana’s success to their high-octane style, saying, “This team plays with pace and tempo, so they score fast, we know that. They’re 31-2 when they score 120 points or more.”

He pointed out that the Pacers’ relentless pace overwhelmed not just the Knicks but also previous playoff opponents: “You do not want to get into a track meet with the Pacers. Milwaukee (Bucks) tried it. Cleveland (Cavaliers) tried it. The Knicks tried it. Don’t. They never get tired.”

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