The New York Knicks find themselves on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-1 in their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Indiana Pacers after a 130-121 defeat on Tuesday. Despite securing victories in the first two rounds of the playoffs with six-game win streaks, the Knicks must now return to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, facing a daunting challenge as they aim to overcome the deficit by winning three consecutive games, including two at home.

At the center of scrutiny is superstar point guard Jalen Brunson, who was recently named Clutch Player of the Year and is currently averaging 29.9 points during the playoffs. However, in this series against the Pacers, his individual plus-minus stands at minus-26, contributing to a stark contrast in performance during his minutes compared to the Knicks' non-Brunson minutes, which have outscored the opposition by 15. While Brunson’s talent is unquestionable, his tendency to dominate the ball may disrupt the team’s offensive rhythm. His struggles to draw fouls effectively and his size disadvantage against the length of the Pacers further complicate matters for New York, highlighting the need for him to adjust his gameplay to better integrate his teammates.

The contributions from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, both of whom were acquired through significant trades, are underwhelming thus far in the playoffs. With Bridges averaging 17.0 points and shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc, alongside Anunoby’s 17.5 points, their collective output in additional categories has been disappointing, particularly given the resources committed to their acquisition. The Knicks exchanged five first-round picks, along with other assets, to obtain Bridges, while Anunoby ranks as one of the highest-paid players in the league this season. Their current combined statistics reflect a need for greater impact in these crucial playoff games.

Aaron Nesmith has emerged as a pivotal player for the Pacers, especially following an ankle injury that had him listed as questionable before Game 4. In that game, Nesmith’s presence was greatly felt, finishing with a plus-20 rating. His overall contributions, including a strong showing in earlier games where he hit key three-pointers, underscore his valued role in the lineup, particularly against Brunson. His relentless defense has posed challenges for the Knicks’ guard, creating a significant obstacle for New York offensively.

Depth has been a recurring theme in this postseason, with the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrating significant roster strength, while the Knicks struggle to match that depth. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his tendency to rely heavily on his starters, has permitted limited playtime for younger teammates. As a result, only a few players have gained meaningful playoff experience, potentially leaving the Knicks under-resourced against a relentless team like Indiana. The efficacy of established leaders like Brunson, alongside their ability to adjust, will be crucial as they attempt to flip the narrative of their playoff journey.

Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as a dominant player in this series, and his performance against the Knicks has been nothing short of historic. Following a recent survey branding him as the league's most overrated player, Haliburton showcased his skills with an impressive 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound, and four-steal game. His multifaceted contributions have solidified his status as an emerging superstar, driving the Pacers closer to a potential NBA Finals appearance. While the Knicks can be held accountable for their current predicament, Haliburton's exceptional performance is a dominant factor in the 3-1 series lead for the Pacers.