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The Knicks try to even the series versus the Pacers
By: Staff Writer - StatFox
Published: 5/6/2013  at  8:30:00 AM
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INDIANA PACERS (54-34)

at NEW YORK KNICKS (58-31)

Eastern Conference Playoffs Second Round
Game 2 - Indiana leads New York 1-0
Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. ET
Line: New York -5.5 Total: 185.5

After the Pacers stole Game 1 with a scrappy effort, the Knicks host Indiana again in a pivotal Game 2.

Game 1 didn’t go the way the Knicks planned, with Carmelo Anthony really struggling from the floor (10-of-28 FG) and the Pacers playing excellent interior defense. Indiana’s starting front court combined for seven blocks in the game and the Pacers out-rebounded the Knicks 44-30. Indiana finished the game a little sloppier than they had planned, but ended up winning 102-95 behind a great performance from David West. The Pacers are now 1-0 ATS in the series and have covered in three straight. Since 1996, Indiana is 26-10 ATS after two straight games of out-rebounding an opponent by 10 or more. The Pacers have a huge size advantage over New York when Carmelo Anthony is at the power forward position and it appears the Knicks could use Amar’e Stoudemire in this series. Stoudemire is expected back in Game 3 after suffering multiple knee injuries during the regular season.

The Indiana Pacers came out in Game 1 and dictated play with their ferocious interior defense. Roy Hibbert was the head of that defense, blocking five shots in the game. Hibbert also finished the game with 14 points (6-of-9 FG), eight rebounds and four assists. Lance Stephenson was the most noticeable rebounder on the court for the Pacers, grabbing 13 boards in the game to go along with 11 points (5-of-9 FG). The biggest impact in the game offensively for Indiana may have come from D.J. Augustin off the bench. In just 13 minutes of play, Augustin had 16 points (5-of-6 FG, 4-of-5 3PT). Paul George struggled shooting the ball (5-of-14 FG), but he did score 19 points (5-of-14 FG) and grab five rebounds. George was getting to the free throw line where he connected on 7-of-8. David West was the best offensive player for the Pacers, scoring 20 points (8-of-15 FG) while also blocking two shots. West was going right at Carmelo Anthony who is a little too small to handle West in the paint.

The New York Knicks got off to a hot start in Game 1, but after the first quarter it was all Pacers in Madison Square Garden. Carmelo Anthony really struggled from the field in the game, scoring an inefficient 27 points (10-of-28 FG) while also committing some costly turnovers. J.R. Smith struggled yet again for New York, finishing the game with 17 points (4-of-15 FG) and five rebounds in a game where he couldn’t get any of his jump shots to fall. Raymond Felton continued to be the Knicks best player in the postseason, finishing with 18 points (8-of-12 FG) and three assists in 38 minutes. The Knicks will need Carmelo Anthony to stay out of foul trouble in Game 2, which is now a must win for New York after dropping Game 1.


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