The missed goal-tending on a Brunson layup would've put the Knicks up 6 in OT and probably led to a Pacer timeout. Instead they rushed the ball up the court, as usual, and Nembhard hit a corner three. One point game instead of six point game. I think if this call is made, the Knicks win. Of course, if Haliburton doesn't get the most miraculous bounce at the buzzer, the Knicks win. And so on and so on. Insane game.
Absolutely bonkers. And while that missed goaltending was a very tough break, it's hard for me to feel too sad after I saw in person the very end of Pistons/Knicks Game 4, when Tim Hardaway Jr. got blatantly fouled by Josh Hart while shooting what would've been a game-winning three.
He should've gotten three free throws with no time left and his team down just one point, but there was no call, so the Knicks win.
So these things even out eventually, although they are no less brutal in the moment.
Probably a bit ahead of myself here but we’re seeing high pressure teams (OKC and IND) have real success in the playoffs. Do you think that they would cancel out each other’s pressure advantages in a series because they both bring so much of it?
It might cancel out, but I'm not sure if it'll be for that reason. Both teams are well-equipped to DEAL with pressure as they have multiple solid ballhandlers and passers on the court at all time, and both teams have a lot of depth that can withstand such a fast two-way pace of play.
That said, neither team generally faces a ton of pressure because A) they are two of the most avid practitioners themselves, and they don't have to play themselves, and B) teams are generally unwilling to try it against them for the reasons I stated.
It would be interesting to see the theoretical put to the test; it's possible that one or both could still struggle a little bit simply from inexperience.
Very interesting points! Just finished Shabbat in Israel, so I’m just seeing this now. I think Haliburton suppresses Indy’s turnovers a lot which would be important in limiting the Thunder’s turnover feedback loops (to borrow a term from Dunc’d On). However, the Pacers get a ton of value from running of off *makes* and I think OKC’s hustle would mitigate that advantage somewhat. On the Thunder side, limiting their transition and forcing them into the half court would be a win for the Pacers although I think SGA might be able to feast depending on how well Nesmith and Nembhard are actually able to defend him. I guess I’m leaning towards the Pacers gaining a bit more than they give up in the pressure equation but I agree, seeing them actually face each other will be fascinating.
That's a great question. Playing the Pacers, there are a few thing you have to be mindful of:
1) Practice mindful transition defense as soon as a shot goes up, even if you score. Most NBA teams will take a minute to gather themselves when they're scored upon before inbounding, but make or miss, the Pacers get the ball in and zoom up to the halfcourt so fast that they will kill anyone not paying attention.
2) Do the same yourself. The Knicks need to get the ball in quickly so as to not let Indiana set up their press so effectively. Inbounding is taken for granted against 29 other teams; not Indy.
3) Force-feed KAT. Indiana has no answer for big scorers, and Town killed them in the regular season. I'd like to see more plays getting him the ball in the paint, preferably on the move, where he can use his momentum to bash through Indy's smaller frontcourt.
Superb breakdown! Man, when that ball bounced, I didn't want to believe it could fall back through. Feels like a shot Dame made in the bubble at some point (which obviously has its own irony after the last 2 years of Bucks-Pacers clashes). There's some level of inevitability to this Pacers team. I wonder if the legend will continue to grow.
It's been a heck of a run. The Pacers are just so unique compared to everyone else. Super well-coached, fast, and they maximize those weird spaces nobody else seems to care about, like inbounding the ball (on both sides!).
Whoops, Haliburton actually did have one other turnover on a play I for some reason thought was attributed elsewhere. I edited the piece to reflect that.
This is fabulous. Well done.
Thank you! I had a lot of fun writing it (albeit on not nearly enough sleep to appropriately proofread), so I'm glad you enjoyed it.
The missed goal-tending on a Brunson layup would've put the Knicks up 6 in OT and probably led to a Pacer timeout. Instead they rushed the ball up the court, as usual, and Nembhard hit a corner three. One point game instead of six point game. I think if this call is made, the Knicks win. Of course, if Haliburton doesn't get the most miraculous bounce at the buzzer, the Knicks win. And so on and so on. Insane game.
Absolutely bonkers. And while that missed goaltending was a very tough break, it's hard for me to feel too sad after I saw in person the very end of Pistons/Knicks Game 4, when Tim Hardaway Jr. got blatantly fouled by Josh Hart while shooting what would've been a game-winning three.
He should've gotten three free throws with no time left and his team down just one point, but there was no call, so the Knicks win.
So these things even out eventually, although they are no less brutal in the moment.
One of the more entertaining games of all time.
Man, these playoffs have been a non-stop deluge of classics, and you're right. This might have been the best yet!
Probably a bit ahead of myself here but we’re seeing high pressure teams (OKC and IND) have real success in the playoffs. Do you think that they would cancel out each other’s pressure advantages in a series because they both bring so much of it?
I’ve been thinking about your question all day. What do you think is the answer?
It might cancel out, but I'm not sure if it'll be for that reason. Both teams are well-equipped to DEAL with pressure as they have multiple solid ballhandlers and passers on the court at all time, and both teams have a lot of depth that can withstand such a fast two-way pace of play.
That said, neither team generally faces a ton of pressure because A) they are two of the most avid practitioners themselves, and they don't have to play themselves, and B) teams are generally unwilling to try it against them for the reasons I stated.
It would be interesting to see the theoretical put to the test; it's possible that one or both could still struggle a little bit simply from inexperience.
Very interesting points! Just finished Shabbat in Israel, so I’m just seeing this now. I think Haliburton suppresses Indy’s turnovers a lot which would be important in limiting the Thunder’s turnover feedback loops (to borrow a term from Dunc’d On). However, the Pacers get a ton of value from running of off *makes* and I think OKC’s hustle would mitigate that advantage somewhat. On the Thunder side, limiting their transition and forcing them into the half court would be a win for the Pacers although I think SGA might be able to feast depending on how well Nesmith and Nembhard are actually able to defend him. I guess I’m leaning towards the Pacers gaining a bit more than they give up in the pressure equation but I agree, seeing them actually face each other will be fascinating.
Great thoughts and I think I agree with your conclusion, but the margins for error are so small, it would be fun to see it play out!
What should the Knicks learn to avoid the snafus of Celtics and Cavs?
That's a great question. Playing the Pacers, there are a few thing you have to be mindful of:
1) Practice mindful transition defense as soon as a shot goes up, even if you score. Most NBA teams will take a minute to gather themselves when they're scored upon before inbounding, but make or miss, the Pacers get the ball in and zoom up to the halfcourt so fast that they will kill anyone not paying attention.
2) Do the same yourself. The Knicks need to get the ball in quickly so as to not let Indiana set up their press so effectively. Inbounding is taken for granted against 29 other teams; not Indy.
3) Force-feed KAT. Indiana has no answer for big scorers, and Town killed them in the regular season. I'd like to see more plays getting him the ball in the paint, preferably on the move, where he can use his momentum to bash through Indy's smaller frontcourt.
Superb breakdown! Man, when that ball bounced, I didn't want to believe it could fall back through. Feels like a shot Dame made in the bubble at some point (which obviously has its own irony after the last 2 years of Bucks-Pacers clashes). There's some level of inevitability to this Pacers team. I wonder if the legend will continue to grow.
It's been a heck of a run. The Pacers are just so unique compared to everyone else. Super well-coached, fast, and they maximize those weird spaces nobody else seems to care about, like inbounding the ball (on both sides!).
Whoops, Haliburton actually did have one other turnover on a play I for some reason thought was attributed elsewhere. I edited the piece to reflect that.