Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The opening game at Madison Square Garden will be remembered for years by fans on both sides, having entered the NBA playoff history books. In 970 previous postseason encounters, no team had ever overturned a 14-point deficit with just three minutes remaining. That record was broken in Game 1, and more significantly, the series now stands at 1-0 in favour of the Indiana Pacers.
New York Knicks
As expected, the New York Knicks struggled defensively against the high-paced style imposed by the Indiana Pacers. The visitors shot 51% from the field and an impressive 57.1% in the paint, putting up 100 attempts in total. In contrast, the bench of the Knicks failed to make a meaningful impact, contributing just 17 points. Fatigue was clearly a factor, evidenced by the 15 turnovers committed by the squad.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers continue to dismantle top-tier opposition in the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton led the scoring with 31 points and added 11 assists, while Aaron Nesmith went six-for-six from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, playing a decisive role in the comeback. There is little to suggest the squad’s momentum will suddenly stall in Game 2. The bench also played a pivotal role, maintaining the intensity and adding 31 points.
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
The most significant outcome of Game 1 for the Indiana Pacers is the psychological edge they have gained. The Pacers are full of self-belief, while the New York Knicks are still reeling from the dramatic collapse at Madison Square Garden. This kind of momentum has characterised the strong postseason run of the Indiana Pacers, and there is every indication it will carry over into the next game.
