On the 18th anniversary of the game in which the Pacers most famous player, Reggie Miller, scored 8 points in less than 10 seconds against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, New York put in a convincing performance to tie their series against Indiana at 1-1 with a 105-79 win.
While the final score suggests a blow out, the the Pacers actually had the lead with less than 4 minutes to go in 3rd quarter, but had a stretch without a field goal (0 for 14) that felt as long as winter in "Game of Thrones". Carmelo Anthony had his best game in over a week, shooting 50% in route to 32 points, and the Knicks got strong contributions from PG Pablo Prigioni (10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists) and Iman Shumpert (15 points and 6 rebounds).
Let’s look at the keys to the game:
The Pacers' size was a huge factor in Game 1 on Sunday, but on Tuesday the Knicks were able to win the rebound battle 37 to 35, although Roy Hibbert still out-rebounded Tyson Chandler 12 to 4.
Despite another poor game from the NBA’s 6th man of the year, JR Smith, the Knicks' bench was vastly superior to Indiana’s (their weak link all season). Jason Kidd did not score any points but still made some big plays late in the game. DJ Augustin, who was sensational for Pacers in Game 1, reminded people tonight why he was considered a lottery bust. Kenyon Martin had some key baskets in the first half, and his dunk off an alley oop from Raymond Felton energized the Knicks in the second half.
Paul George and Lance Stephenson (one of the best high school players in New York City’s history) were nowhere near as dominant as they were in game 1 for the Pacers. David West was able to guard Carmelo Anthony well on Sunday, but on Tuesday he was only missing a red cape to complete his matador performance when Melo was driving to the basket.
The Knicks could not afford to lose their first two games at home against the Pacers, considering how well Indiana plays at home. The game fittingly ended with the crowds chanting "Reggie Sucks" in honor of Miller, who was broadcasting the game. Look for Saturday’s game to go a long way in determining the winner of the series.