The Indiana Pacers staged a dramatic comeback in Game 1, significantly unsettling their higher-seeded opponents, the New York Knicks. Following a 114-109 defeat in Game 2, the Knicks find themselves in a precarious position as they head onto the road. Historically, no team in NBA history has succeeded in winning a postseason series after losing the first two games of a conference finals at home, although the Knicks remain optimistic about defying these odds.

To shift the momentum in their favor, the Knicks recognize that they must significantly improve upon their performance at Madison Square Garden. Despite having managed to slow down the Pacers' pace compared to the regular season, it remains insufficient. The Pacers thrive when transitioning quickly, utilizing effective ball movement to exploit defensive lapses. In games 1 and 2, Indiana showcased this ability, managing to puncture New York’s defense multiple times. While Mitchell Robinson has excelled in offensive rebounding, it may be essential for the Knicks to prioritize transition defense, ensuring that they return to defend with intensity after both made baskets and missed attempts.

Another area for the Knicks to refine is their offensive strategy. In order to pressure the Pacers defensively, New York must aim for longer possessions, thereby ideally exhausting Indiana's energy reserves. Notably, the Knicks have struggled in the assist department, registering only 18 assists in Game 2, with more than half of their points coming from unassisted baskets. Furthermore, Jalen Brunson's high volume of shot attempts indicates that the Knicks may be over-reliant on his scoring prowess, which could relax the defensive intensity from Indiana. Given the Pacers' diverse scoring threats, the Knicks need to be strategic in their playstyle, balancing the need for offensive isolation with variations in ball movement to render their plays less predictable. Consequently, while it is vital to continue leveraging Brunson's unique skills, the Knicks' historical average of 27.5 assists during the regular season suggests there is room for improvement in their collaborative offensive execution.