May 6, 2013
Two reasons to why the Knicks lost this game:
1) Knicks were out hustled by the Pacers.
The Pacers were like a video game, in this game. They had no hesitation, and were very disciplinent. Indiana kept pushing and pushing, while the Knicks would arguing on every single play that they thought was a foul.
The Knicks started this game well. Then all sudden toward the end of the first half, they lost the lead and the intensity.
Indiana didn't do spectacular things to win this game. They just did what they had to do. The Knicks beat themselves with the terrible shot selections and the numerous foul calls.
One thing I notice about the Knicks in these past couple of games is the lack of staying in high intensity throughout the whole game. They argue every single call that goes against them, which slows their paste. Also, when they get a 8-point lead, they think the opposing team will just lay down and take a 3-point beating. That's not gonna happen in the playoffs; especially to the Pacers who are only a third seed team, and who've already faced the Miami Heat in a playoff series last year, which makes them battle tested.
In the first three games against the Boston Celtics the Knicks were doing everything right because they were focused. Ever since that elbow J.R Smith hit to Jason Terry, the wheels came off.
2) Passing the ball.
What the hell happened to team ball?
At one point during the game, it seem like the Knicks ran up the same play over and over again. They'll run a solo position play with either Carmelo Anthony or J.R Smith, and thinking Pacers are going to see that.
New York has to go back to team basketball. That's when they're dangerous and they can find the open shot a lot easier.
Anthony has got to facilitate the ball at times. He can get so many easy assist with three players isolating him; or the easy pocket pass.
The only time Anthony should be hogging the ball is when he's making every basket. Not saying he should attempt shots in every possession, but when he's unconscious shooting, the Knicks always win.
Game 2: Knicks can win tomorrow night. They just have to keep the blood flowing throughout the game; even if they're up 20-points in the fourth quarter, the Knicks have to keep the pressure.
