After securing a pair of six-game victories in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the New York Knicks now find themselves facing elimination with a 3-1 series deficit against the Indiana Pacers following a 130-121 loss on Tuesday. The series returns to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, marking a critical moment for the Knicks as they seek to defy the odds and extend their playoff run. Winning three consecutive games, even with the advantage of two being on home court, poses a significant challenge for New York.

As the Knicks prepare for their pivotal Game 5, an examination of their struggles thus far is warranted. A focal point of scrutiny has been Jalen Brunson, the superstar point guard recently named Clutch Player of the Year, who has averaged an impressive 29.9 points throughout the playoffs. However, despite his individual success, the Knicks find themselves with a troubling cumulative deficit of 11 during the series, while Brunson's individual plus-minus stands at minus-26. Consequently, this data suggests that New York has actually outperformed their opponents in the minutes that Brunson does not play. While Brunson is undoubtedly one of the elite players in the league, his tendency to dominate the ball at times appears to disrupt offensive rhythm, making it challenging for his teammates to remain actively engaged. Additionally, his attempts to draw fouls can interrupt offensive flow. On the defensive end, Brunson's size disadvantage against a lengthy Pacers roster has exposed him as a target for opposing attacks. It is not to imply that the Knicks would be better off without his contributions, but it may necessitate Brunson adjusting his playing style to facilitate a more cohesive team performance.

Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, both of whom were added to the Knicks roster as part of significant trades, have not generated the expected impact during the series. Bridges is averaging 17.0 points with a shooting percentage of 40.0 from beyond the arc, while Anunoby follows closely with an average of 17.5 points. However, their contributions in other statistical categories, such as rebounds and assists, have been minimal, particularly in light of the substantial draft capital invested in acquiring them. The Knicks traded five first-round picks, alongside other assets, to bring Bridges to New York, and Anunoby's contract ranks him as the 32nd-highest paid player in the NBA this season. Consequently, the combined output of 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 turnovers from this forward duo during the conference finals falls short of expectations. While Brunson's ball dominance contributes to their limited performance, both Bridges and Anunoby possess the talent to exert a greater influence during critical moments of the series.

The absence of Aaron Nesmith in the latter part of Game 3 due to an ankle injury raised concerns about his participation in Game 4, yet he played a significant role in the game, finishing with a team-high plus-20 rating. His contribution in Game 2, characterized by a 2-of-3 shooting performance from beyond the arc and a plus-12 rating, alongside his explosive late-game scoring in Game 1, has proven vital for the Pacers' success. Nesmith's three-point shooting provides a clear advantage, but his defensive assignments against Brunson may be even more pivotal, making offensive sequences challenging for the undersized guard.

Another consideration regarding New York's struggles can be attributed to the depth of the Pacers. In this postseason, teams with deep rosters like the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have found considerable success, while others, such as the Denver Nuggets and potentially the Knicks, have faced limitations. Coaching strategies play a critical role in the development of player rotations and maximizing the potential of each athlete throughout the grueling six-month season. Tom Thibodeau, known for his reliance on key starters, has allocated significant playing time to his primary players, with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns logging the most minutes in the league. This reliance on a select few has resulted in fruitful regular-season success for the Knicks but may have hindered the development and experience of younger talent that could prove beneficial in postseason scenarios.

With essential players such as Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride being the only trusted options for the Knicks during this series, questions arise regarding whether this is sufficient to compete with a team as tenacious as the Pacers. Ultimately, it appears there may be little that Thibodeau or any member of the Knicks can do to stem the momentum generated by Tyrese Haliburton, who has emerged as a prominent star in these playoffs. In a standout performance on Tuesday, shortly after an anonymous player survey labeled him the league's most overrated player, Haliburton recorded 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and four steals, becoming the first player in league history to achieve this quartet of statistical milestones in a single playoff game. His postseason numbers reflect his impact, averaging 19.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers per game. With Haliburton leading the charge, the Pacers are on the cusp of reaching the NBA Finals. While the Knicks are certainly accountable for their 3-1 series deficit, the primary driver behind this situation is Haliburton's exceptional play.