Former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas criticized Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau after New York fell behind 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Thomas tweeted, “Thibs getting out coached… this happens to his teams every year. They die out because he doesn’t trust his bench.”
Friday night’s Game 2 saw Pascal Siakam lead the Indiana Pacers with 39 points, helping them defeat the Knicks 114-109 on New York’s home court. The victory gave Indiana a 2-0 series lead and extended their postseason road win streak to six games.
Siakam shot an efficient 15-for-23 and added 3 three-pointers, while Tyrese Haliburton nearly recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Myles Turner contributed 16 points and a +17 plus-minus rating.
Despite Jalen Brunson’s 36 points and 11 assists, New York struggled in the fourth quarter. The Pacers went on a decisive 13-4 run early in the period to take control. Aaron Nesmith’s free throws and Turner’s clutch foul shots sealed the win after Brunson missed a potential game-tying three.
The Knicks started strong but failed to maintain momentum. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points but played less than 28 minutes as Thibodeau opted for more defense from Mitchell Robinson in the second half. Robinson grabbed nine rebounds and helped keep the game close.
Indiana shot 51.8% overall and 43.3% from three, outperforming New York’s 47.6% and 34.4%, respectively. The teams were tied at 81 entering the fourth quarter, but the Pacers’ aggression proved crucial in the final frame.
Now facing a daunting 0-2 hole at home, the Knicks must avoid a historic 0-3 deficit. No team has ever come back from that position in the conference finals.
Game 3 will take place Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers will try to move within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.
