All season long, the Indiana Pacers have been known as a team to move quickly and play at a very unique tempo that throws opponents off their game.
But on Sunday afternoon, the Pacers weren’t looking like the fast-paced team that had dominated so much during the playoffs.
After blowing a 20-point lead and losing 106-100 to the New York Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton was honest about why his team wasn’t playing at the usual speed.
“Just trying to get guys in the right positions,” Haliburton said when asked why he and his team slowed down from their usual up-tempo style in the second half. “I think down the stretch, a game like this comes down to one or two possessions, so just trying to execute the right way, get guys in the right spots. But yeah, it’s definitely an area where I know when I watch film, I’m going to kick myself for it.”
The Pacers were competing at home and had the chance to grab a 3-0 series lead, which would have essentially doomed the Knicks and erased any chance they had of making a comeback.
Instead, their fans witnessed the Pacers giving up their lead and opening up a path for the Knicks to even the series in Game 4.
Haliburton himself did quite well in the game, posting 20 points, seven assists, and three steals, but Indiana didn’t move with enough speed and also had problems with their shooting.
The Pacers know they dropped the ball and let victory slip through their fingers.
But they also know they will be back in Indiana for Game 4, and they could earn an intimidating 3-1 lead.
However, that will not happen unless the Pacers play to their strengths and remind everyone why they have become such a fearsome and tough Eastern Conference presence.
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