Bad News for Tyrese Haliburton & Co. as 26-Year Drought Favors Jalen Brunson’s Knicks in Game 3

So far, the Indiana Pacers have outmastered the New York Knicks. They currently have 2 two-win lead, even Jalen Brunson, with his 36 points, could not save NY from. Indiana’s offense has been its best; They swept through the first two games. They have utilized their entire bench, “We’re a team that needs everybody,” Carlisle said. “That’s how we gotta play.”

After a successful run away from home, the Pacers are all set to host the Knicks for Game 3 of the ECF. While good news for most, Coach Carlisle has some reservations on the matter: “You cannot assume going home is going to be easier. It never is.” On Sunday, Indiana has its “Indianapolis 500” run in the afternoon. A busy day in the Hoosier State, first time since 2013, the last time the Pacers played on home ground on the same day as the race.

“I’ve been to the 500. It’s crazy, so I can’t imagine all those people then coming over to Gainbridge (Fieldhouse).” Said Tyrese Haliburton. “It’s going to be a special time. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” This is the fourth time Indiana will host a home game on the INDY 500. Although Haliburton seems happy, many find this news a little troubling. Why, you ask? Well, because in Pacers’ history, they somehow lose whenever they host a match on the day of the run, going 0-3!

The first of those losses came back in 1999, when the Pacers fell to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 93-90. The second came five years later, a brutal 83-65 blowout at the hands of the Pistons in Game 5 of the 2004 ECF. And then came LeBron James and the Miami Heat, who torched Indiana 114-96 in Game 3 of the 2013 ECF. Now, facing the Knicks again in Game 3 on Sunday, the Pacers will be eager to flip the script—especially with the Indy 500 just around the corner. A win would make the city’s sports weekend even more electric.

While we do not encourage superstitions, this one is too specific to ignore. Meanwhile, the Pacers might finally overcome this spell, as Coach Carlisle has taken strict precautions. Not for the weird coincidences, but for their effective performances. “It’s Day 3 of 13 days and no one’s getting ahead of themselves,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do.” With that, now let’s see exactly what to look for in Game 3.

Will the Pacers maintain their lead over the Knicks?

It would be almost fictional if the Pacers score a third win against New York. While recovering from a 2-0 deficit is already hard, a third loss would be the last nail in the coffin for the Knicks’ ECF dream. Reportedly, Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks’ head coach, wants Mitchell Robinson in this starting lineup, putting Josh Hart on the bench. A drastic decision, considering that Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Jalen Brunson are his go-to starting five.

But Carlisle definitely sees this as a possibility: “Robinson’s been very impactful for them since he’s been back,” he said before Game 1. So, whatever strategy Thibodeau has thought of would not be a total surprise to the Pacers.

Yet, the Knicks must do everything possible to secure this win, this is now a do-or-die situation. Brunson, the All-Star, said, “It’s going to take one day at a time, one game at a time. We can’t look ahead, we can’t think about anything other than Game 3 at this point.” Maybe the INDY 500 legend will become New York’s saving grace. However, in all seriousness, both teams seem to be determined to get a win, but who do you think will make it through?

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