Despite their playoff success, the Knicks have a major flaw: slow starts and offensive inconsistency. Here’s how the Pacers can capitalize in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The New York Knicks have rightfully earned their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with grit, star power, and a revamped lineup. But behind their playoff success lies a glaring issue the Indiana Pacers must target: New York’s sluggish starts and offensive unpredictability, especially from their starters.
Early Struggles Could Cost the Knicks
Throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Knicks have repeatedly found themselves in early deficits. Against the Boston Celtics, they trailed by 20 or more points in the opening three games, spending over 128 minutes behind and leading for barely 12 minutes total. This wasn’t just a one-series issue—it’s a trend that dates back to the regular season and continued in the first-round battle with Detroit.
The data is revealing. The Knicks’ starting five has recorded a -7.0 NET rating during the postseason, and an even worse -20.7 against Boston. These poor starts force New York to exhaust itself just to stay competitive, putting immense pressure on Jalen Brunson to rescue them late in games.
Overreliance on Brunson
While Brunson has been electric, averaging 29.7 points on 23.6 attempts per game, the Knicks’ offense hinges almost entirely on his shoulders. He took 40 more shots than any other player in the previous round, a staggering indicator of how reliant the team is on his production.
If Indiana can slow Brunson or force inefficient possessions, New York’s offense becomes stagnant. Supporting stars like Mikal Bridges have been hit-or-miss, shooting just 42.6% in the Detroit series. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns continues to battle questions about his decision-making in crunch-time moments.
A Bench in Need of a Spark
Previously a strength, the Knicks’ bench has struggled to generate consistent offense. Beyond sporadic bursts from Mitchell Robinson or Cam Payne, secondary scoring has been a concern. Without contributions beyond Brunson, New York’s attack can easily sputter.
Defensive Cracks the Pacers Can Exploit
While New York’s defense remains their identity, it hasn’t been airtight. Their perimeter coverage and pick-and-roll defense have shown vulnerabilities. In Game 3 against Boston, they allowed the Celtics to go 20-for-40 from three, often due to slow rotations and breakdowns in communication.
The Pacers, who excel at quick ball movement and spacing, are built to exploit this. With Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating and multiple shooters surrounding him, Indiana could stretch New York’s defense to its limit.
The Verdict
If the Pacers can take advantage of New York’s slow starts, force the Knicks into early deficits, and keep Brunson under control, they’ll have a legitimate path to the NBA Finals. For all of New York’s strengths, this one Achilles’ heel could prove decisive.
