The New York Knicks entered Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals as one of the best three-point defending teams in the playoffs. In just one game, the Indiana Pacers completely dismissed the Knicks' perimeter defense and continued their hot shooting performances.
On Wednesday, the Pacers, who are leading the playoffs in 3FG% by a mile, shot 15-for-37 (40.5%) from beyond the arc. This was just the fourth time so far in the playoffs that a team shot 40% or better from the three-point line against the Knicks.
Most of Indiana's success from three-point land was due to Aaron Nesmith going absolutely berserk near the end of the game. In the win, Nesmith shot 8-for-9 from the three-point line and came up big when the Pacers needed it the most.
It is just one game, but this is still a telling stat regardless. The Knicks are a great team on the perimeter, mostly because of guys like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. If the Pacers can continue their dominance as a three-point shooting team and neutralize one of New York's biggest strengths, they will be in a great position to take the series and make it to the NBA Finals.
The Pacers need to keep doing what they are doing
To the surprise of many, the Pacers are just three wins away from an NBA Finals appearance. After getting so close last year, losing to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the conference finals, the Pacers have come back better and more primed for a title run. They are a much more well-rounded team, and one of their biggest weaknesses last year turned into one of their major strengths: their performance in the clutch.
The Pacers shocked fans throughout the regular season, and they continue to do so in the playoffs. They dominated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, and they sent the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers home in the second round in just five games. Indiana made it back to the conference finals by playing the brand of basketball they have become known for, and it is crucial that they continue to do so against the Knicks. If that means continuing to make their presence felt beyond the arc, then so be it.
There is a lot to like about the Pacers' chances of continuing this hot streak and sending the Knicks home early for the second year in a row. They were resilient in Game 1, and they outperformed New York when it mattered the most. It is a one-game sample size, but the Pacers are attacking the Knicks head-on. If the Knicks can't bounce back and turn things around, an NBA Finals appearance may be inevitable for the Pacers.