Stan Van Gundy dedicated time late Wednesday night to analyze Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, which aired on TNT. He then rose early Thursday to delve deeper into the last-minute moments of the Pacers’ thrilling 138-135 overtime win over the Knicks. Speaking to reporters in Midtown Manhattan, Van Gundy expressed his disappointment over what he termed “terrible” defense exhibited by both teams during the game.
He particularly scrutinized the Knicks’ performance, labeling their late-game defense as “soft,” “very soft,” and “super-soft.” Drawing on his extensive experience as an NBA head coach, Van Gundy highlighted a concerning defensive switch by center Karl-Anthony Towns, along with two ineffective plays by OG Anunoby, a player typically recognized for his defensive skills. This allowed Aaron Nesmith to secure crucial three-point shots late in the game, leaving Van Gundy astonished at the missteps of even the team’s top defenders.
He noted a critical moment when former Knick Obi Toppin executed a dunk that put the Pacers ahead with just seconds remaining in overtime. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Van Gundy maintained a belief in the resilience of the players, stating that they would not dwell on the defeat. “Players are pretty resilient,” he said, asserting that they would quickly shift focus to learning from their defensive errors without any lingering effects from the game’s outcome.
Van Gundy emphasized the importance of rectifying defensive strategies, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, and highlighted the necessity for improved communication among players. “These mistakes are very correctable,” he noted, acknowledging the frustration such lapses can cause for both players and coaches.
In contrast, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau reflected on how the team allowed Nesmith too much space, attributing some of the defensive breakdowns to transition plays and inadequate communication.
On another note, Van Gundy weighed in on the dynamic between Pacers coach Rick Carlisle and his player Tyrese Haliburton concerning Haliburton’s on-court celebration after hitting a game-tying shot. While Carlisle may not favor such displays, Van Gundy recognized the excitement of the moment, appreciating the balance between tradition and the emotions that basketball generates.
Overall, the focus for both teams moving forward centers around improving their defensive strategies and maintaining composure after the initial playoff setbacks.