The New York Knicks extended their playoff runs with a crucial 111-94 victory over Indiana. The victory brought New York to fill the gap 2-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals Series.
Most of the conversations focused on how the Knicks silenced Tylese Halliburton. Pacers’ Point Guard managed just 8 points with 28.6% shooting and lost all three-point attempts.
However, NBA analyst Bill Simmons believes the Knicks’ victory comes from a different strategy. He believes New York’s key was attacking Pacers Center’s Miles Turner on the lent throughout the game.
“There’s Turner, five-fourth points, four turnovers, and some nasty offensive moments like he’s trying to dribble against Mitchell Robinson, and when he’s a bit off the boundary,” Simmons said on the podcast.
“I thought the biggest thing the Knicks did besides Pressure Halliburton was that they felt like they were attacking Miles Turner, except that he made it even more difficult in defense.
The contrast was tough compared to Turner’s previous performance. Before Game 5, Turner consistently scored double digits against New York and dominated paint frequently.
In Game 5, the Knicks put a certain amount of pressure on them, pushing Indiana into a disadvantageous late-night situation. Turner’s struggle was the catalyst for the Pacers’ offensive collapse.
Simmons ironically surprised that this performance could have an impact on Turner’s NBA future. “Miles Turner’s free agency tapes need to be carefully edited,” he said.
Turner will enter unlimited free agency this summer with teams reportedly interested in such teams as the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. During the regular season, Turner averaged solid counts: 2.0 blocks per game, shooting 39.6% from the 3-point range.
His Game 5 meltdown serves as a reminder that playoff pressure can reveal weaknesses even for established players seeking new contracts.