Next Steps for Knicks After Incredible Series
After an impressive win in Philadelphia to send the Knicks to the next round they will now be faced with a major challenge. The Indiana Pacers come into this next series after dominating the Bucks in six games. However, a major reason for them advancing to the next round was due to injuries that kept Giannis Antetokounmpo out the whole series and Damian Lillard out multiple games. The Pacers will definitely be looking to prove that this was not the only reason they advanced.
The Knicks have been led purely by their starters all playoffs and almost all regular season as well. Yet, it has been a recipe for success. The Knicks trio of Villanova players all last series was the driving factor as to why they advanced. It seems that in every possession all three of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo get at least one touch. However, there's a glaring issue. In the next series with the Pacers, they will have to figure out the Best matchup for Pascal Siakam as the Knicks lack a true power forward. They could elect to guard him with OG Anunoby who was his teammate for years on the raptorsR or Josh Hart also a defensive stud. Either way, though both are undersized in comparison to Siakam.
Even with this disadvantage, regarding matchups, the biggest issue may not even be Siakam. While Tyrese Haliburton has not been scoring the ball as effectively as he was earlier in the regular season he is one of the best true point guards in the game. These players will be a major obstacle in the Knicks title run. Right now, it seems as though the Knicks have their best roster in years and are in a great position to go all the way. However, It seems a matchup with the Boston Celtics is unavoidable at this point. The Celtics are the best team in the NBA debatably and will most likely be waiting for the Knicks if both are to advance. If this matchup is to happen in the Eastern Conference Finals this will be one of the most anticipated series in a long time.
