Knicks vs. Pacers: 5 Key Takeaways as Haliburton Leads Pacers to Crucial Game 4 Victory

INDIANAPOLIS – John Haliburton was in the house for Game 4, but this time he watched from a suite instead of his usual floor seat. After his playful heckling of Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo got him banned during the first round, he was back to support his son, Tyrese, during a crucial playoff moment.

Tyrese Haliburton didn’t disappoint. He sparked the Indiana Pacers to a 130-121 victory, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Finals series against New York. His performance placed him among legends; he became only the third player in NBA playoff history to score at least 30 points, grab 10 rebounds, and dish out 15 assists in a single game, joining Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and star center Nikola Jokić.

What makes Tyrese’s game even more remarkable is that he achieved this feat with zero turnovers and four steals. This level of efficiency and impact is rare in crunch time, especially during the playoffs.

Historically, teams leading 3-1 in a playoff series are in strong territory. Only 13 teams out of 288 have managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit, a mere 4.5%. As the tide turned, the Knicks now find themselves desperate to avoid a daunting situation where they must win three straight games to advance.

Here are some key highlights from the game:

1. Haliburton’s Lead

Tyrese bounced back after promising to improve following Game 3’s loss. He ignited the Pacers with a stellar first quarter, scoring quickly and decisively, leading by example. Carlisle praised him for his flawless execution and high basketball IQ. In the process, he became just the second player to rack up 20 points, five rebounds, and ten assists in a playoff half, alongside Russell Westbrook.

2. The Knicks’ Struggles

New York had its share of bright moments, controlling the boards and getting strong performances from their top scorers. However, 17 turnovers cost them dearly, allowing the Pacers to capitalize on every misstep. Coach Tom Thibodeau recognized the need for better defense, acknowledging that allowing 43 points in the first quarter was “problematic.” Their inability to keep pace with Indiana’s offense put them under pressure.

3. Nesmith’s Comeback

Aaron Nesmith, recovering from an ankle sprain, made a significant impact. His energy and defensive efforts were crucial, showing that he could contribute even when not at 100%. His timely scoring helped stabilize the Pacers, underscoring how vital role players can be in high-stakes moments.

4. Mathurin’s Resurgence

Bennedict Mathurin, who had struggled earlier in the series, stepped up in a big way. Scoring 20 points off the bench, he proved he’s still a threat. His ability to find gaps in the defense and draw fouls was invaluable for the Pacers.

5. Pressure in Madison Square Garden

The Knicks will need to make Madison Square Garden a fortress again. With good home-court performance becoming less of a guarantee in recent seasons, they must find a way to turn the tide or face elimination. Conversely, the Pacers have thrived on the road, earning a 6-1 record in away playoff games this season. Historically, teams that reach this point in the playoffs face a turning moment, where winning becomes pivotal.

As Game 5 looms, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The Knicks must rally, while the Pacers aim to clinch their spot in the Finals, a directly opposite philosophy from just a few years ago, where teams thrived on home advantage. This changing dynamic keeps the playoff pulse alive and electrifying.

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Pacers-Knicks Game 4