After achieving consecutive victories in their first and second playoff rounds, the New York Knicks now find themselves on the brink of elimination, trailing the Indiana Pacers 3-1 following a 130-121 overtime defeat on Tuesday. As they head back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, the Knicks are confronted with a formidable challenge, requiring three consecutive wins, two of which must be on their home court.

In analyzing the Knicks' current predicament, attention turns to their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, who has recently earned the title of Clutch Player of the Year and is averaging 29.9 points in the playoffs. Despite his individual success, the team's negative aggregate performance has raised questions. Brunson's individual plus-minus stands at minus-26 over the series, suggesting that the Knicks have performed better during minutes he is not on the floor, winning those non-Brunson minutes by 15 points. While Brunson is an exceptional player, his tendency to dominate the ball may disrupt the team's offensive rhythm, leaving his teammates less engaged. Additionally, his size may disadvantage him defensively against a taller Indiana team.

Other players like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, while not performing poorly, have not significantly contributed in terms of rebounds and assists, which could raise expectations given their contracts and the trades that brought them to New York. Collectively, they have produced a combined 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 turnovers during the conference finals, a disappointing outcome for a duo expected to deliver at a star level. The Knicks' offensive strategy, heavily reliant on Brunson, may be stifling their overall effectiveness, and adjustments may be necessary for a better performance. Meanwhile, Aaron Nesmith of the Pacers has emerged as a pivotal player, providing impactful three-point shooting and formidable defense against Brunson, contributing to a team-high plus-20 in Game 4 and significant contributions in earlier games.

The issue of team depth has been a recurring theme throughout the postseason. In contrast to teams like the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, which are benefitting from strong bench play, the Knicks have relied heavily on their starters, a strategy that has yielded both rewards and drawbacks. Coach Tom Thibodeau's track record of maximizing starter minutes has limited the younger players' experiences that might pay dividends in crucial playoff situations. With Thibodeau's established rotation focusing mainly on key players, the Knicks may be outmatched against Indiana's more versatile lineup, especially with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way for the Pacers. Haliburton's remarkable performance in Game 4, featuring 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and four steals, illustrates his critical role in putting Indiana on the cusp of the NBA Finals. As both teams gear up for Game 5, the Knicks will need to reevaluate their approach to remain competitive in this series.