The Indiana Pacers staged a remarkable comeback in Game 1, prompting the New York Knicks to recognize the challenge they face as the higher seed. After suffering a 114-109 defeat in Game 2, the Knicks now find themselves under considerable pressure as they prepare to take their next match on the road. Historically, no team has been able to overcome a two-game deficit in the conference finals after losing the first two games at home. Nevertheless, there remains a possibility for New York to engineer a comeback of their own, albeit they must significantly improve their performance compared to what was exhibited at Madison Square Garden.

To emerge victorious in four out of the next five games, the Knicks need to address several crucial areas. While they have managed to slow down the Pacers' pace compared to their regular-season play, it has not been sufficiently effective. The Pacers thrive when they can transition quickly, moving the ball up the court to catch their opponents off guard and exploiting defensive gaps. In both Game 1 and Game 2, Indiana demonstrated this offensive strategy. Although Mitchell Robinson's offensive rebounding has been a positive aspect for the Knicks, prioritizing transition defense is becoming increasingly imperative. The ability to return to defense with urgency—whether following a made basket or a missed shot—is critical for New York. Moreover, adopting a more methodical approach when on offense could also be advantageous; the Knicks need to prolong possessions in order to tire out the Pacers' defense, making them exert more energy on the other end of the court.

The Knicks have consistently struggled with assists throughout the series, having recorded only 18 in their most recent outing. Notably, over half of their baskets in Game 2 were unassisted, which suggests that New York is missing opportunities to exploit Indiana's defense effectively. Jalen Brunson's 52 field-goal attempts across the two games indicate that the Knicks are becoming predictable in their attacking patterns. The Pacers' diverse array of scoring threats requires all five defenders to remain vigilant, as any one player could initiate a drive, shot, or pass at any moment. This level of alertness can be physically and mentally taxing for defenders. Although defending Brunson can be challenging, relying too heavily on isolations or pick-and-rolls can create patterns that allow defenses a moment to regroup. While altering a team's fundamental strategy mid-series is not an easy task, the Knicks averaged 27.5 assists during the regular season, suggesting that they have the capability to diversify their offensive patterns slightly. Additionally, the Knicks currently trail by a margin of six (or 18 points) in total three-point shots made, a gap that is notable but not insurmountable. In crucial moments of Game 1, when Aaron Nesmith was particularly proficient from beyond the arc, the Knicks' perimeter defenders failed to apply adequate pressure, allowing him too much daylight. Overall, the importance of effectively contesting three-point shooters cannot be overstated. New York may need to adopt a more flexible approach to switching on screens, allowing them to contest shots more aggressively. This strategy may need to be recalibrated if Myles Turner proves to be more of a post threat than anticipated, but adjustments at the three-point line are necessary as the playoffs progress.

Among the many threats posed by the Pacers, Pascal Siakam stands out as a potential game-changer. He led the team with an average of 20.2 points per game during the regular season and delivered a stunning 39-point performance in Game 2. While it is common for star players to dominate when in peak form, the Knicks must make more concerted efforts to disrupt Siakam's rhythm. While doubling him consistently may not be feasible due to his ability to score off cuts and transition plays, occasionally providing extra defensive attention could yield benefits. Furthermore, New York might consider transitioning more fluidly between zone and man defense strategies. Although employing a zone can be risky against a team with strong shooting capabilities like the Pacers, incorporating variability could create confusion and reduce their offensive effectiveness. It's essential for the Knicks to find solutions now, even as late adjustments may feel increasingly difficult with two games already played. Additionally, the bench production has been a significant area of concern; the Pacers lead the bench scoring battle by a substantial margin of 52-28 after two games, revealing a notable disparity in depth. Players like OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson have accumulated nearly 80 minutes of playing time each, with Mikal Bridges surpassing 90 minutes. As the series progresses and the fast-paced style of the Pacers takes its toll, finding fresh legs could become crucial. Even minimal contributions from players like Miles McBride or Cameron Payne, or unexpected performances from those who have yet to see significant playtime, might provide the Knicks' regulars with a much-needed breather. Given the narrow margins in play and strategy, any unexpected support could prove instrumental in shifting the series' momentum.