The New York Knicks fought back in a tough game, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Indiana Pacers 106-99. The Pacers are now headed to the Eastern Conference Finals and will face the Miami Heat.
This game was controlled by the Pacers through the first two quarters, but the Knicks battled back. They would overcome a 12 point deficit to lead by three points. The comeback was led by, second year player, Iman Shumpert. His energy and shot making really came at an important time for the Knicks. He would score 19 points and would grab 3 rebounds in 25 minutes of action. This was an excellent contribution by a guy who isn’t known as a scorer.
The Pacers, though, would get an unbelievable game from Lance Stephenson. He alone was a game changer for the Pacers. His career high of 25 points came in the biggest game for the Pacers. He made plays and really out muscled the Knicks defenders. He ran to the basket and took advantage of the poor defense.
The interior defense by the Knicks was poor. They allowed the Pacers to score 52 points in the paint. That alone was inexcusable.
There will be many questions headed into the offseason, but none will be about Carmelo Anthony. Despite having only four points in the fourth quarter, Anthony was huge in keeping the team in the game. He scored 39 points including 7 rebounds in 41 minutes.
This was a tough loss by the Knicks, but they had one nice season. A season filled with accomplishments ended early, but the Knicks have a roster that could will need some changes and hopefully improve next season.
This series was really lost in one area. That area was rebounding. Tonight the Pacers outrebounded the Knicks 43-36. This battle was tough for the Knicks. They struggled with boxing out and holding the Pacers off the boards.
Overall the Knicks did well this season despite not getting to the Eastern Conference Finals. Who will be with the team next season is unknown. But with that said, the Knicks have to just comeback stronger next season and build on a season that saw them back to NBA relevance.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Twitter: @CaardelEaddy and or @CaardelsBlog
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