Pacers take 3-1 series lead; Defeat Knicks 93-82

The Indiana Pacers are one game closer to moving to the Eastern Conference finals with a 93-82 win over the New York Knicks.

The Pacers execution on the glass was the difference tonight. They outrebounded the Knicks 54-36 and that in itself was the main reason why the Knicks lost. They also collected 16 offensive rebounds tonight.

The Knicks did make an adjustment as Mike Woodson started big tonight. Kenyon Martin started in place of Pablo Prigioni, but that wasn’t a major difference tonight. The Knicks wanted more rebounding, but instead had a very tough time in getting rebounds. This series the Pacers have done an exceptional job in boxing out and using quickness to get to loose balls.

This was a very disappointing game by the Knicks, who continue to struggle. They are now one game from being eliminated and will have many questions this offseason.

Carmelo Anthony was the sole bright spot tonight. Anthony scored 24 points in 40 minutes tonight. He did foul out in the fourth quarter, but he really played great early in this game.

The bench play was terrible tonight. Jason Kidd continued to misfire and JR Smith struggled to score. Smith did score 19 points, but his struggles of late have really made it difficult for the Knicks to win.

Chris Copeland and Steve Novak both made cases for more playing time as they cashed in on three three-pointers. Copeland especially played well tonight. For what ever reason Copeland can’t seem to get consistent minutes. He came in and made an impact in the fourth quarter, but was sent to the bench.

Mike Woodson has some very tough questions coming regarding his rotation. The Knicks have struggled for offense in this series and two guys who can score aren’t on the floor. That in itself could be costing the Knicks. In game five the Knicks should play Copeland and Novak. Both can’t play on the floor together, but they can be used to help spread the floor.

Rebounding wise, the Knicks have to give Marcus Camby a look. He is a big body and can clog up the paint. His lack of minutes this season has really been a shocker, but now is the time they could use him.

The Pacers now have a 3-1 series lead and could eliminate the Knicks with one more win. This series has been about what the Pacers have done and what the Knicks haven’t. Overall tonight’s performance puts the Knicks in a very tough position to comeback in this series. They will need to win three straight games to win this series and that is a task that they never would have wanted.

The Knicks will return to Madison Square Garden on Thursday looking to avoid being eliminated. Tonight was a terrible night, but the Knicks still have a slim chance at winning this series.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Darron Cummings

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