Many expected the New York Knicks to be the stronger team against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But with the series now tied, Skip Bayless reveals the exact moment that broke New York recently.
The Knicks headed into Game 3 of their series against Indiana with a 2-0 lead. In that game, All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton exploded for 35 points on 53 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from beyond the perimeter. Pascal Siakam notched 26 points and seven rebounds, while Myles Turner added 21 points and 10 rebounds.
For his part, Donte DiVincenzo had the best playoff game of his career when he dropped 35 points on 63 percent shooting from deep. Jalen Brunson tallied 26 points on an inefficient 38 percent shooting from the field. Meanwhile, Josh Hart finished the contest with 10 points and 18 rebounds.
In the end, the Pacers went home with close 111-106 victory over New York. Indiana would go on to win Game 4 with a score of 121-89 as the series is now tied with two games each. Add OG Anunoby’s absence due to a strained hamstring and the Knicks have themselves in a precarious situation in the playoffs.
Skip Bayless Reveals Exact Moment New York Knicks Broke In Series Against the Indiana Pacers
As it stands, the momentum is now on Indiana’s side and they have a chance to take the lead over New York. NBA analyst Skip Bayless mentioned the exact moment that broke the Knicks in a tweet he posted on X:
“I’m not sure the Knicks have recovered from the Nembhard prayer. Seemed to break their spirit. They came out dead-headed. They were up 9 in the 4th of Game 3 – had a great chance to go up 3-0 – and lost on THAT SHOT. Feel free to replace the o with another letter,” Bayless tweeted.
Like most teams coached by Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are visibly tired and spent, not to mention the injuries they have been nursing. The Pacers, meanwhile, are seeing Haliburton rise at the right time during the playoffs this year.
It remains to be seen whether the Knicks have a trick up their sleeve or they’re going to fall down a 3-2 hole to Indiana. In any case, the coming days will be a test on how the Jalen Brunson-led team can come out of this predicament.
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22 and follow us @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here!
