The Indiana Pacers entered their pivotal game against the Knicks knowing one adjustment could flip the series—and it did. Speaking to TNT’s Allie LaForce at halftime, a member of the Pacers coaching staff admitted their “number one concern” was Mitchell Robinson’s impact on the offensive glass. That fear proved valid.
Despite playing just 8 minutes by the third quarter, Robinson already had 3 offensive rebounds, adding physicality that the Knicks had sorely missed. LaForce added that Indiana’s staff emphasized keeping Karl-Anthony Towns off the three-point line and regretted missing four easy shots at the rim—mistakes that proved costly in such a tightly contested game.
The Pacers shot a solid 51.9% from the field by the third quarter but were down five points, unable to fully capitalize on their offensive execution. Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 16 points and 7 assists, but New York’s size and second-chance scoring, led by Josh Hart and Towns, kept them ahead.
Robinson’s return to the Knicks’ rotation may have just altered the momentum of the series. As one Pacers staffer told LaForce, “This whole series is a possession battle.” With Robinson back, the Knicks have suddenly turned the tide!
(This is a building story, so hang tight as we bring in more….)
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