Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, stars of the New York Knicks, are struggling in the Eastern Conference Finals as their team faces the Indiana Pacers, currently down 0-2 in the series. The Knicks’ starting lineup, consisting of high-caliber players like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, has failed to deliver, showcasing a disappointing -29 performance over the first two games. Their defensive woes are highlighted by a staggering 155.1 defensive rating and a poor -42.9 net rating.
Strategically, the Pacers have effectively defended against Towns and Brunson, employing tactics that have proven successful against the Knicks throughout the season. This notable decline extends beyond the current series, as their starting five has struggled all season, with a concerning -9 rating from January 1st to the end of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Knicks have shown improvement when utilizing a different lineup, particularly with Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride contributing solid performances off the bench.
Coach Tom Thibodeau’s options appear limited, as he contemplates whether to alter his struggling starting five. Postgame comments from players reflect their understanding of the need for change. Brunson emphasized the necessity for collective improvement, while Towns noted the importance of avoiding early deficits, which the team has frequently encountered. Bridges mentioned the need for better defensive communication and physicality from the start.
Given that the Knicks have mere hours to adjust before Game 3, the team is under pressure to develop a strategy that can turn the series around. Pairing Towns with Robinson could provide a fresh approach, as evidenced by their positive performance metrics. If the Knicks can find their rhythm and refocus, there remains hope to rally back against the Pacers. Nevertheless, another loss could signal an early end to their postseason, making their next game crucial for survival.