The Indiana Pacers are preparing for a crucial Game 4 against the New York Knicks, and head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the need for sharper execution and greater physicality during Monday’s media session.
“Aggression levels got to be better,” Carlisle said. “Tempo’s got to be better. Defense has got to be better. Rebounding’s got to be better.”
The Pacers let a 16-point lead slip away in Game 3, ultimately falling 106-100 as New York cut the series deficit to 2-1.
When asked about the late-game issues, Carlisle acknowledged breakdowns in multiple areas, particularly in key moments.
“Closing quarters was a problem — we closed the second poorly, we closed the third poorly — and that set up a back-and-forth fourth quarter,” he said. “We just didn’t execute well enough.”
Indiana was outscored 32-20 in the final frame, with Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 20 of his 24 points in the period to lead the Knicks’ comeback.
Jalen Brunson, battling foul trouble, added 23 points while Aaron Nesmith exited the game briefly with a right ankle sprain.
Carlisle gave an update on Nesmith’s condition, stating, “Aaron is sore today, predictably, and he will likely be a game-time decision — probably be listed as questionable.”
The Knicks made unannounced adjustments to their lineup in Game 3, and Carlisle said the Pacers must remain flexible with their own depth.
“Their guys — their bench guys — have had a lot of good stretches all year long and in the playoffs,” Carlisle said. “Tomorrow’s another new chapter, I guess.”
Carlisle also accepted that some of the Game 3 breakdowns were self-inflicted.
“We hurt ourselves too. It’s both things happening,” he said. “We’ve got to be a much better version of who we are.”
Turnovers and poor late-game decision-making contributed to the loss, with the Pacers committing 12 giveaways and missing several key shots.
“We made poor judgment at times, and we’ve got to be better,” Carlisle added. “If it’s a two-for-one, we’ve got to time it right and execute better.”
While Carlisle declined to specify what the team would change strategically, he admitted the offensive process in the second half was below the standard.
“It was poor. I think I said that. It has to be a lot better,” he said.
Despite the setback, the Pacers still hold a 2-1 series lead and have another opportunity at home to retake control before the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden.
“We’ve got to try to play our game better than they play their game,” Carlisle said.
Tipoff for Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
