The Indiana Pacers staged a remarkable comeback in Game 1, leaving the New York Knicks to grapple with their perceived failure to capitalize on their higher seed. Following the Knicks' 114-109 defeat in Game 2, the team finds itself in a precarious position as they head on the road for the next games. Historically, no team has ever lost the first two games of a conference finals on their home court and triumphed in the series, but the Knicks still hope to reverse this trend and mount a significant comeback.

To achieve success in the remaining games, the Knicks must address several critical areas. While they have managed to slow down the Pacers' pace of play compared to the regular season, it remains insufficiently slow. The Pacers excel when they can push the ball in transition, using swift passes rather than dribbles to bypass defenders. This approach was evident in both Games 1 and 2. Although Mitchell Robinson's capabilities in offensive rebounding represent an asset, the Knicks may need to adjust their focus towards transition defense, emphasizing their need for quick recovery after both made and missed shots. Furthermore, a more deliberate approach on the offensive end could benefit them by forcing the Pacers to defend longer possessions, potentially depleting their energy for subsequent plays.

Another area requiring improvement is the assist ratio; the Knicks have lost this category in both games, achieving only 18 assists in their most recent outing. Over half of their baskets in Game 2 came unassisted, which indicates that the team is failing to fully exploit the opportunities presented by Indiana's defense. This is illustrated by Jalen Brunson's substantial total of 52 field-goal attempts across the two games, suggesting that the Knicks' offensive strategy may not be taking full advantage of the Pacers' defensive weaknesses. Indiana's offensive versatility makes them a formidable opponent, as their scoring threats can originate from various players, placing additional strain on the Knicks' defenders. While Brunson can be effective in one-on-one situations, relying heavily on isolations or pick-and-roll plays can become predictable, giving the Pacers' defenders much-needed respite. Historically, the Knicks averaged 27.5 assists during the regular season, indicating a capacity for more ball movement to create diversified offensive plays. The difference in three-point shooting has also been notable, with the Knicks trailing by a margin of six total three-pointers, a gap that could potentially shift the dynamics of the series. In Game 1, Aaron Nesmith emerged as a significant perimeter threat, and the Knicks' defenders were criticized for their failure to aggressively contest his shots. Improved efforts in scrambling to close out on shooters are imperative, and embracing a willingness to switch on screens could prove beneficial, especially considering that Myles Turner is not renowned for his post-up capabilities. As adjustments are pivotal during playoff series, the Knicks must adopt a more flexible approach to their defensive strategy against three-point shooters.

The Pacers possess numerous players capable of a breakout scoring game, but Pascal Siakam stands out as a critical threat. Siakam led the team with an average of 20.2 points during the regular season and exploded for 39 points in Game 2. While it is often a challenge to neutralize a player entrenched in a scoring rhythm, the Knicks fell short in their defensive adjustments. Strategies that may require additional focus on Siakam could enhance the Knicks' defensive efforts, especially if New York alternates between zone and man-to-man defensive schemes. Although employing a zone defense may carry risks against a skilled shooting team like the Pacers, generating confusion could still yield advantages for the Knicks.

Bench contributions are also an area of concern, as the Pacers have outscored the Knicks' bench significantly, 52-28, through the first two games. With starters like OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson nearing 80 minutes each and Mikal Bridges exceeding 90, the potential for fatigue looms large, especially in a fast-paced series. While it may be unrealistic to expect the Knicks' bench to suddenly dominate, even modest contributions from players like Miles McBride or Cameron Payne could change the course of the games. Furthermore, incorporating brief spells for less-utilized players could provide essential rest for starters as they navigate through the remainder of the series. Given the narrow margins of victory, the emergence of an unexpected contributor could indeed serve as the catalyst for the Knicks in their quest to rebound and reclaim the series momentum.