The New York Knicks wrapped up a big victory on their home floor in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series against the Indiana Pacers. It was a much needed victory which pushes the series to a Game 6 tomorrow night in Indianapolis. In my previous posts on this series for “Frank’s Forum” we looked at many aspects of the preparation by both teams for this game. In particular, the Knicks being in such a big hole in the series, I detailed some of the adjustments they needed to make in order to win against the Pacers in Game 5.

 

This article will review the Knicks performance in Game 5 and a look ahead to Game 6, and what they will need to do to force a decisive Game 7.  The home crowd was treated to a big win last night; the Knicks made a number of key adjustments and made better shot selection in this game.

 

Adjustments made: A Solid Game Plan

 

I have to credit Coach Woodson and Knicks coaching staff for implementing a very good game plan complete with several adjustments which allowed them to perform much better in Game 5. The players deserve the credit for executing that game plan and pushing the series longer against a Pacers team which historically has trouble with closing out opponents in the playoffs.

 

The pressure in a lot of ways is still on the Pacers in this series because they had a 3 games to 1 advantage, and they are playing Game 6 on their home court.  The Knicks are coming in with a win in Game 5, and then they have to play a Game 6 on the road where they can come out flying to take the Pacers home crowd out of the game.

 

My previous blog post detailed the adjustments that the Knicks needed to make in order to win Game 5 and here is my feedback on those adjustments:

1. Rebounds: the Knicks hit the boards last night especially in critical points of the game when the Pacers were trying to slice into their lead. That was critical to let the Pacers know that they could not push the Knicks around and dominate this series.
2. Shot selection: the Knicks tightened up their shot selection and then using crisper passing to open up clean, high quality shots. J.R. Smith looked more efficient last night, and Carmelo Anthony had a workmanlike 20+ point performance.
3. Rotation: I liked the rotation changes that Woodson made last night. He utilized Prigioni and Copeland well, and he utilized good substitutions to match up against the Pacers lineup changes. The floor spacing was pretty good overall last night, and it helped by having other perimeter shooters to open up lanes for Anthony and Smith to drive to the rim.
4. Ball Movement: The ball movement was crisp and well executed for the most part last night. The Knicks moved the ball around the perimeter well and got the ball into the post when they needed to effectively. I think the rest of my fellow Knicks fans would agree on this point.
5. Aggressive play: the Knicks were much more aggressive last night in driving the ball to the rim, and also in taking the ball away from the Pacers and catching them flat going the other way in transition. They used some other elements of their offense which opened up clean shots such as the pick and roll and some ball screens as well.
6. Less isolation plays: the Knicks still used a good amount of isolation plays but I guess that large portion of their offense is difficult to pull out in the middle of a series. Smith was given some freedom to find his own shot, and Anthony is left in isolation every game at multiple points.
7. The Indiana Pacers perimeter shooting: I think the Knicks did a great job of denying the Pacers and their perimeter shooting. They worked hard on the defensive end and constantly switched other defenders onto a shooter to deny the open 3 point shot at many points last night.

 

Game 6 Preview- Formula for a Knicks Win

In order for the Knicks to win in Game 6 out in Indiana, it is important for them to remain composed in a tough road environment. I also believe that in Game 5 it was a very positive development that they had a lead in this game and did not have to play from behind.

 

It is very important for the Knicks to stay out of foul trouble in order to keep their best players on the floor. They can deny the Pacers the 3 point attempts and then stay aggressive, and I think they can keep this game close. If they can get big performances from Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith, I think that the Knicks have made great adjustments and have to stick with that plan.

 

Ultimately, the Knicks could win this game on the road if they play smart, select their shots well, and balance the floor. I hope we get to see a decisive Game 7 at the Garden on Monday. Only time will tell.