Pacers Take Control of Eastern Conference Finals with Dominant Game 4 Win
The Indiana Pacers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, thanks to a thrilling 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 4. Tyrese Haliburton had a standout performance, recording a triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Pascal Siakam added 30 points to the Pacers’ tally.
According to the NBA’s official website, Haliburton’s impressive display made him only the third player in NBA playoff history to achieve a game with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists. The Pacers’ guard also had zero turnovers and four steals, making his performance truly exceptional.
The Pacers’ victory was a significant one, as it gave them a stranglehold on the series. As the NBA’s official website noted, only 13 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a series in the NBA playoffs, and none have done so since 2020. The Knicks, on the other hand, will have to win three consecutive games to keep their season alive.
One of the key factors in the Pacers’ win was their strong start, with Haliburton scoring 15 points in the first quarter. As the NBA’s official website reported, Haliburton became the second player in the NBA’s play-by-play era to record at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a playoff quarter. The Pacers’ coach, Rick Carlisle, praised Haliburton’s performance, saying, "He was really throwing the ball here, which was really important for us… To not have any turnovers in those situations is really important."
The Knicks, however, struggled to keep pace with the Pacers. As the NBA’s official website noted, they gave up 43 points in the first quarter, which proved to be a significant problem. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged that his team’s defense was not good enough, saying, "We scored 120 points, that’s plenty of points. But our defense wasn’t good enough."
The Pacers’ bench also played a crucial role in their victory, with Bennedict Mathurin scoring 20 points in 12 minutes off the bench. As the NBA’s official website reported, Mathurin had a six-point burst in the first quarter and earned 11 free throws, which helped to stretch the Pacers’ lead.
The series now shifts back to New York’s Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will have to win Game 5 to stay alive. As the NBA’s official website noted, the Pacers have been excellent on the road in the playoffs, going 6-1 in away games this spring. The Knicks, on the other hand, have struggled at home, going 3-5 in front of their own fans.
In conclusion, the Pacers’ dominant Game 4 win has put them in a strong position to advance to the NBA Finals. As the NBA’s official website reported, Haliburton’s triple-double performance was a key factor in the win, and the Pacers’ bench played a crucial role in their victory. The series will now shift back to New York, where the Knicks will have to win Game 5 to keep their season alive.
The Pacers’ victory was a significant one, and it has set up an intriguing Game 5. As the NBA’s official website noted, the Pacers are poised to take advantage of the Knicks’ struggles at home, and they will look to close out the series in Game 5.
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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