First Thoughts: Indiana 106, New York 99
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Correspondent
Let’s take a quick look at how the Indiana Pacers knocked out the New York Knicks 106-99 on Saturday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Game 6 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference second-round series. The Pacers won the series 4-2.
WHY IT HAPPENED: After George Hill made a surprisingly quick return from a one-game absence due to a concussion, the Pacers went out and dominated — not with defense — but with an unstoppable, relentless offensive attack led by — not Paul George — but unsung fifth wheel Lance Stephenson. The young guard from Brooklyn helped dismiss his hometown team from the playoffs with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Indiana led by 12 in the second half before the Knicks came storming back on a torrent of 3-pointers to lead 89-86 in the fourth quarter. From that point forward, it was all Pacers. Roy Hibbert posted 21 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks in one of his best-ever playoff performances. Paul George had 23 points and five rebounds, while David West chipped in 17 points and five boards of his own. The Pacers shot 51 percent from the field and limited the Knicks to 40 percent. Stephenson scored nine of the Pacers’ 25 points in the fourth quarter to wrap up the team’s first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 2004.
WHAT WE LEARNED: The taller, stronger, bigger, younger and more talented team won the series. The Pacers had more offensive rebounds in the first half (seven) than the Knicks did defensive boards (six). That helped give Indiana a 55-47 edge at the break. Hill mostly took jumpers early as Stephenson assaulted the rim with abandon. Carmelo Anthony had his best game of the series in Game 6 with 39 points and seven rebounds. Tyson Chandler was horrid all series long and the Knicks never found the offensive magic that led them to 54 wins in the regular season. On the Pacers’ side, they kept their composure and stepped up to make the plays down the stretch. Now Indy will face its biggest test of the season: a seven-game series with defending champion Miami. The Pacers made progress in the second-round clincher by turning the ball over just nine times, once in the second half. That type of ball control is what Indiana will need to supplement the NBA’s best defense.
KEY NUMBER: The Pacers attempted 46 free throws, making 34, while New York took just 18 freebies. The Knicks made all 18, but the differential was astonishing even before New York committed a few late fouls to try to get the ball back. The visitors were whistled for more than twice as many fouls as the Pacers: 34-16.
TURNING POINT: With 5:03 to play, Hibbert met Anthony at the rim and blocked the superstar’s shot. Stephenson then scored seven straight points to give Indiana a 97-92 lead.
NEXT: The Pacers are off to South Beach for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night against the Heat.
