Outplayed and Outcoached: Can the Knicks force a Game 7?

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Well, here we go. As a Knicks fan of more than 55 years, it comes down to do-or-die, Game 6, Gainbride Fieldhouse, for a chance to bring it back to the Mecca, the Garden, for the ultimate Game 7. But to play Game 7, work has to be done. Commitments must be made for the greater cause. We, New York Knicks fans, are at the point of “who wants it more.” We have waited so long for a chance to feel relevant in the NBA postseason talk. I mean, RELEVANT by New York standards.

So forget the numbers, the stats, all the accolades, and let’s get to the heart of the matter. The Knicks are in a fight they did not expect, and at times, look like they were not prepared for this version of the Indiana Pacers. What the Pacers have done to the rest of the NBA since the new year began is no secret. They just flat-out shredded the Bucks and Cavs while outplaying and outcoaching the Knicks.

Being voted the Most Overrated Player by his peers has not gone well for opposing teams of the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton has been a master, especially when needed the most, in these 2025 NBA playoffs. His ability to run this frenetic pace, involve others, and cause havoc has been the main reason the Knicks went down 3-1. Big shot after big shot, big pass after big pass, big game after big game. He is a point guard in the true sense, and he has his team one win away from the NBA Finals.

Let’s remember that Haliburton is NOT the #1 option on offense. Pascal Siakam can go off for 30 or more on any given night, and he was the reason the Pacers took Game 2 at the Garden with his 39-point performance. When he gets in as close to eight feet, he is almost unstoppable. He MUST be contained from here on out for the Knicks to have a chance.

Yet, another problem, or problems, lie with guys named Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and a little pest in T.J. McConnell. A bench that goes as deep as any in the league has killed the Knicks from inside and outside. The ability of one or more of these players to make an impact in each game has put a chokehold on the Knicks’ defense. A defense that simply has not had enough answers as time runs out on the clock.

One more thing killing Knicks fans is the master behind the bench of the Pacers, Rick Carlisle. He is coaching long ball, counting on his team’s pace of play to outgun the Knicks. So far, so good. He has forced Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau to use his bench like never before, and Thibs is finding out he should have done this long ago.

On the Knicks’ end, there is plenty to do. Karl Anthony-Towns can keep screaming foul or shut up and own the paint as much as he can. He is getting to the hole and getting shots. He is making a huge impact since he decided to play BIG MAN ball. Yo KAT, all due respect, but pipe down and ball. Oh, one more thing….STOP with the stupid fouls.

Jalen Brunson is more than a Knicks fan could have hoped for. Now we hear talk about how he needs to get more of his teammates involved. He got us here with this style of play, so leave it alone. He has been able to break down the best on-ball defenders in the league in these playoffs, so BACK OFF.

OG Anunoby has got to get it together and fast. As much as I love this guy, he has to be more deliberate tonight. More EMPHATIC and play like there is no tomorrow. An OG on the offensive attack usually brings a win for the team.

Mitchell Robinson has been an absolute beast these playoffs, but he will have to bring more. He has to be the wall of defense when the Pacers are coming downhill. He cannot allow Turner and Siakam the chance to make buckets. Oh, and as much support as we give him at the free throw line, make or miss, make them tonight, big man.

Finally, there is Coach Thibs, who has made a living playing 6-8 guys his whole career. All of a sudden, he sees that he can trust some players on the bench. It is do-or-die, Coach. ALL hands on deck for this one, or you are gonna find yourself going home for the season, and if the cards fall wrong, you may have coached your last game for the New York Knicks.

31 years ago, I, along with millions of Knicks fans, watched Game 7 against the Houston Rockets. Our hearts were shattered as we watched a championship be taken away by the Dream, the Glide, and the Rockets. We have hoped and dreamed for more than three decades, and I, for one, will dream like never before tonight.

STAND BY FOR GAME 7, KNICKS FANS