The Indiana Pacers can take a 3-1 series lead when they tip off against the New York Knicks at home in game 4 of the NBA's Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the Knicks continuing to struggle offensively, falling into a 3-1 hole may be too much for the No. 2 seed to overcome.
While both teams were putrid from the field in game 3 - shooting 35% - the Knicks were dominated by Indiana underneath, as the Pacers outrebounded New York 53-41 including an 18-11 advantage on the offensive glass.
Needing a win to avoid returning home down three games to one, the Knicks will battle the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday, May 14th at 7:00pm, EDT. Television coverage will be provided by the TNT network.
The Knicks were hoping the return of Amar'e Stoudemire would provide a lift on both ends of the floor and while the 30-year-old All-Star was somewhat productive, only having his services for just over 8 minutes didn't help the Knicks overcome the ferocious play of Indiana down low.
Roy Hibbert was a nightmare for the Knicks from start to finish Saturday night. In 40-plus minutes of action, Hibbert had one of the best games of his 5-year career scoring 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting while also pulling down 12 rebounds.
Noticing the tremendous level of play his starting big man has brought to the floor throughout the entire postseason, Pacers head coach Frank Vogel was ecstatic with Hibbert's game 3 performance.
"I think this is his best playoff game ever, probably," Vogel said to NBA.com. "He's oozing confidence."
Hibbert was certainly confident on the offensive end but defensively, the 26-year-old played shut down defense against the Knicks' premier big man Tyson Chandler. Chandler was on the floor for less than 30 minutes and during that time the 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year was only able to grab 5 rebounds as he was completely outworked by the more physical Hibbert.
Not known for his scoring, Chandler did provide the Knicks with 9 points but his offensive effort was clearly not enough. Carmelo Anthony was the only Knick to hit double figures in points scored with 21 and as a team, New York was an awful 25-of-71 from the floor, something their head coach was not happy about.
"Offensively we just didn't have anything, either team," Mike Woodson said to NBA reporters. "It was an ugly game, offensively."
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Looking to avoid further trouble, Woodson also recognizes what's at stake for the Knicks heading into game 4.
"I wouldn't want to go back home down 3-1, so Tuesday's a pivotal game for us," Woodson said. "I have to get these guys pumped up and ready to go."
New York has clearly struggled offensively for most of this series but they should feel confident in their ability to shut down the Pacers offense.
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If the Knicks can find a way to stay consistent in the rebounding department on both ends of the floor and correct some of their shooting woes, evening the series at 2 games apiece heading back to New York is a definite possibility.
Be sure to catch the Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Tuesday, May 14th at 7:00pm, EDT. Coverage will be provided by the TNT television network.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS From Indiana's Game 3 Victory Over New York:
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