BBNBA: Towns and the Knicks down 0-2 after Game 2 loss

AdamStrattonKSR

bbnba-towns-and-the-knicks-down-0-2-after-game-2-loss — Photo by Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks took the ultimate gut punch in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and they may not have fully recovered. The Indiana Pacers seized the second half of Game 2, pulling out a 114-109 win, and now lead the series 2-0. Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points and seven rebounds in the game, but Indiana treated New York like a Times Square tourist, stealing a pair of valuables (wins in this case) and walking away before the victim knew what happened.

Towns won’t make any excuses, and sure, he still put up 20, but the ring finger on his left hand is far from 100 percent. From the looks of it, it is probably closer to zero percent than it is 100. KAT wore a black brace on the injured digit and repeatedly grabbed at it throughout the game.

Karl’s finger isn’t what New York needs to focus on, though. It’s their entire approach to the game. I’ve been called a Basketball Benny in my day, so take this assessment accordingly, but the Knicks’ only offense in the 4th quarter is to give the ball to Jalen Brunson and get out of the way. Towns doesn’t even play during crucial stretches late in the game due to the defensive superiority of Mitchell Robinson. Tom Thibodeau ignores the fact that Robinson can’t score and keeps Mitchell on the court for his rebounding and defense.

With all due respect to Robinson, New York has got to find a way to be more creative with the game on the line, and that includes getting Karl-Anthony Towns the ball. Brunson is the NBA Clutch Player of the Year for a good reason, but he is not superhuman. Having him dribble-dribble-dribble-dribble-shoot a fadeaway jumper in every possession late in the 4th quarter has proven to be a losing strategy.

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Hats off to the Pacers, though. Tyrese Haliburton is the real deal, Pascal Siakam had a playoff career-high 39, and Indiana now holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the East Finals. They are two home wins away from a sweep as Game 3 will take place in Indianapolis on Sunday.