Knicks can't keep up with Pascal Siakam, Pacers' depth in Game 2 loss

The Knicks are in a 0-2 hole after losing Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 114-109, to the Indiana Pacers.

Takeaways

1. The Knicks had no answer for Pascal Siakam, whose game-high 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting in 33 minutes kept the Pacers humming despite off nights by Game 1 stars Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith.
2. Jalen Brunson did what he could with his team-high 36 points on 13-of-26 shooting and 11 assists in 39 minutes, but co-star Karl-Anthony Towns‘ inconsistent 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting (and -19 rating) through 28 minutes left New York lacking. Either the Knicks’ supporting cast needs to step up Tom Thibodeau must take a look at making changes.
3. Along those lines, should Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride play more? Robinson’s defense and rebounding (nine boards, including four offensive) in 29 minutes off the bench gave the Knicks much-needed sparks, while McBride’s two-way potential flashed through his 25 minutes.
4. Do the Knicks have enough depth to keep up with the Pacers for Games 3, 4 and beyond? Despite Haliburton and Nesmith coming back down to earth for Game 2, the Pacers picked up the slack with TJ McConnell‘s 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting and three assists in 14 minutes off the bench. Indiana played 11 players and flexed its depth as it forced Thibodeau to reconsider the Knicks’ rotation and potential lineup adjustments.

Who’s the MVP?

Siakam

Highlights

What’s next

The Knicks head to the Pacers’ home court for Game 3, which tips off Sunday at 8 p.m. from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Read the full article here