Knicks Storm Back To Take Game 3

By Cameron Williams-

Indianapolis, Indiana – Game 3 took place on Sunday in Indiana. The Pacers held a 2-0 lead in the series; the Knicks needed a win here. Had the Knicks lost, the series would have been too far gone, but the Knicks rallied late to take the game 106-100.

The Pacers were playing very aggressively on the offensive side of the ball, out-scoring the Knicks in the first two quarters with a 13 point lead at half (58-45 Pacers lead). The Knicks did not have any room to lose this game. They had to play this game in win or go home mood. In theory, it was, with a loss here, it would have put the series out of reach for the Knicks and would have depleted any chances of coming back.

Those boys from New York rallied hard. They crept back in the 3rd quarter, coming within 10 points, slowly but surely inching their way back. Then it came down to the 4th quarter when a big momentum swing came, the Knicks were finding every open lane, cashing in on all the Pacers mistakes, and actually passing the ball around. In the last two games, we haven’t seen a big passing game from the Knicks, and it was still light today, but Josh Hart had some big assists that led to big-time points.

The Knicks out-scored the Pacers 36-20 in the 4th quarter to take game 3. A big win for the Knicks that gives not only their fans some relief but themselves as well. Trying to come back in a series is far better doing it down 2-1 than 3-0. As of now, the road teams have won each game in the series. The Knicks will look to continue to do this on Tuesday (May 27 8:00 pm EST).

The Knicks need to pass the ball around more, Brunson has been holding on to the ball too long and putting up bad shots. In game 3, he had only one assist… whatever happened to teams looking for passing plays, creating open lanes, rather than some selfish shots that sometimes go in. The Knicks took 32 three point attempts today and were only successful on 11… that needs to change if they want to not only win this series but win an NBA championship. Better shots must be taken, not just throwing up prayers and hoping they land. There has to be more of a team feel for the Knicks, right now it feels as if every player on the court is playing for the name on the back of their jerseys, rather than the name on the front. They got a big win in game 3, but they have to continue to look in the mirror and realize the problem isn’t the talent. It’s the mindset. They all need to be on the same page and mindset if they want to go out and continue to win.

The Pacers have been playing really well. They just need to limit the errors. Their chemistry is immaculate, the vibes are immaculate, and now it’s time to take the next step and eliminate the errors so they can soar to a series win and eventually a chance at an NBA championship. Taking 25 three point shot attempts and only making 5 also needs to change. Those are the mistakes I am talking about. Just like in game one and two, they need to be able to control the ball and the clock. Not just throwing up prayers and hoping they are answered. If they continue to pass the ball around, manage the clock well, and do the small things right, it will be hard to knock off these gritty Indiana Pacers.

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