The New York Knicks will look to get back on track Friday against the Indiana Pacers after a dreadful opening night loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. This will be the first matchup between the two teams since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year, so the intensity will be raised for the Knicks’ home opener. After playing the defending champs to open the season, they are now tasked with another tough opponent in the Pacers, a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals last season and knocked off the Knicks on their home floor the previous round.
Therefore, this team is being put to the test early. With the lofty expectations set upon the Knicks this season, an 0-2 start would be less than ideal for them. The Knicks need to defend better against the Pacers New York’s offense was fluid against Boston, but their defense was a major concern as they allowed the Celtics to tie an NBA record for most threes made in a single game with 29.
Boston scored a total of 132 points, 37 of which came from Jayson Tatum who also nailed eight three-pointers. The Knicks also allowed 43 points in the first quarter, which was the most they had allowed in a quarter since Jan. 11 against the Dallas Mavericks (h/t SNY ).
Like the Celtics, the Pacers play a fast-paced offense that can be tough for opposing teams to keep up with. Superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton will be the guy that New York will have to slow down, as his quick decision-making with the ball can catch his.
