The New York Knicks have found themselves in a deep hole following their 130-121 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Right now, the Knicks are on the brink of elimination after the Pacers took a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. Another loss for New York would officially put an end to their championship aspirations this season.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith hasn't exactly counted out New York just yet. However, the well-known Knicks loyalist made a painful admission about the Pacers' dominance over his team.
"They're the better team from top to bottom," Smith said of the Pacers. "They are a better team than the New York Knicks. The New York Knicks have a star player, but they don't have their depth, they don't have their youth, they don't have their coaching.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
"That's right, I'm going to say it. Tom Thibodeau is a hell of a coach. But Rick Carlisle is a Hall of Fame-caliber coach. He's a champion. He knows what it takes.
"They can score, they can shoot, they're athletic, and they're exceptionally well-coached, and it's going to take a Herculean effort from the New York Knicks to overcome the situation."
The silver lining for the Knicks here is that Game 5 on Thursday will be played in front of their home fans in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have not won a game in MSG in this series, though, and Thursday night would be a good time to do so.
Simply put, a loss in Game 5 will be the end of the line for the Knicks.