After winning their first two playoff rounds in six games each, the New York Knicks now find themselves on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals following a 130-121 loss to the Indiana Pacers. The series shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, presenting a daunting challenge for the Knicks, who must secure three consecutive wins—two of which are at home—to advance.

Although it might seem unwarranted to place blame on Jalen Brunson, the superstar point guard who recently earned the Clutch Player of the Year accolade and is averaging 29.9 points in the playoffs, the circumstances surrounding the Knicks' deficit merit scrutiny. Currently, Brunson has a minus-26 plus-minus rating this series, while the team has fared better in minutes without him, winning the non-Brunson minutes by 15. This highlights a potential area for improvement as Brunson's ball-dominant style may disrupt the offensive rhythm and limit involvement from teammates. Additionally, Brunson's size presents a defensive liability against an athletic Pacers team.

Despite the criticisms, it is essential to acknowledge that Brunson's presence on the court is invaluable. However, for the Knicks to overcome the Pacers, he may need to adjust his ball-handling tendencies and trust in the flow of the offense. Meanwhile, both Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, acquired through significant trades aimed at boosting the team's star power, have underperformed in terms of ancillary contributions; even with Bridges averaging 17.0 points and Anunoby at 17.5 points, their collective output of 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 turnovers in the conference finals falls short of expectations.

The performance of Aaron Nesmith has also played a critical role for the Pacers in this series. After an ankle injury in Game 3, his return in Game 4 proved essential as he posted a plus-20 rating. Nesmith's ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his on-ball defense against Brunson have provided Indiana with a strategic edge. NESmith's performances in the first two games, including a critical 30-point outing in Game 1, exemplify the challenges the Knicks face in countering Indiana's depth and versatility.

One of the overarching themes of this postseason has been the depth of teams, with both the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder showcasing strong bench support. In contrast, the Knicks have leaned heavily on their starting lineup under head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has historically relied on his top players for substantial minutes. This strategy helped New York secure 51 regular-season wins but may have hindered the development of younger talent. Currently, the Knicks are primarily dependent on a limited rotation, which may not be sufficient against Indiana's dynamic roster.

Ultimately, the potency of the Pacers' offense, led by the emerging superstar Tyrese Haliburton, poses a formidable challenge for the Knicks. In a standout performance, Haliburton registered 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and four steals—a feat unmatched in NBA playoff history. His contributions have been pivotal in placing the Pacers on the doorstep of the NBA Finals. While the Knicks must shoulder some responsibility for their position in the series, Haliburton's impact cannot be overstated in assessing the 3-1 deficit.