Whenever the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks clash, the stage is set for a showdown filled with historical significance and the potential for new moments that will etch themselves into the annals of their rivalry.
For Pacers fans, memories of past encounters evoke phrases like „eight points in nine seconds,” „the choke sign,” or „the Hibbert block.” These moments not only represent pivotal plays but also encapsulate the intensity and drama that define matchups between these two teams.
In the latest installment of their postseason saga, played out on Friday night in Indianapolis, two new chapters were added to the lore of the Pacers-Knicks rivalry: the electrifying Myles Turner chase-down block and the improbable Andrew Nembhard 31-footer.
With the Pacers trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the pressure was on as they found themselves locked in a tight battle with the Knicks in Game 3.
Throughout the game, both teams traded blows, both literal and metaphorical, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. With just 2:26 remaining on the clock and the score tied at 102, tension hung thick in the air as the crowd held its breath in anticipation of the next crucial play.
It was then that Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton found himself in a precarious position, his pass intercepted by the Knicks’ relentless Josh Hart, who wasted no time in streaking down the court for what seemed like an inevitable layup.
But in a moment of sheer determination, Haliburton refused to concede defeat, summoning every last ounce of energy to chase down Hart in a desperate bid to disrupt his shot. And just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Myles Turner, the Pacers’ towering defensive stalwart, rose to the occasion.
With a breathtaking display of athleticism, Turner soared from behind Hart, his outstretched arm meeting the ball at its apex and slamming it against the backboard with authority. The roar of the crowd was deafening as Turner’s block ignited a fast break opportunity for the Pacers, culminating in a momentum-shifting three-pointer from the clutch-shooting Nembhard.
In many ways, Turner’s heroics paid homage to a bygone era of Pacers basketball, as his timely block unfolded right before the eyes of Roy Hibbert, a franchise legend who had famously swatted Carmelo Anthony to propel the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013. As Hibbert pumped up the crowd from his courtside seat, it was as if the spirits of Pacers past were urging their successors to greatness.
As the final buzzer sounded and the Pacers emerged victorious, securing their first win of the series, the echoes of Turner’s block reverberated throughout the arena, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition that defines the Pacers-Knicks rivalry. And with the series far from over, one thing is certain: the stage is set for more unforgettable moments to come.
While Turner’s block may not dominate highlight reels, its significance was not lost on his teammates and coaches, who understood the pivotal nature of that decisive defensive play – a play that could potentially shape the outcome of not just the game, but the entire series.
Reflecting on Turner’s block, Haliburton emphasized its game-altering impact, acknowledging its potential to be etched into the collective memory of the series. „There are certain plays that happen over the course of a series, and the course of a game, that can really change things,” Haliburton remarked. „I think we’re going to remember that play, because I feel like that changed the game. It was a game-changing moment. I think it just speaks to how hard he played and the tone he set today.”
Following Nembhard’s clutch layup that gave the Pacers the lead, the Knicks fought back, knotting the score once again with just 42 seconds remaining, courtesy of a jaw-dropping step-back 3-pointer from sharpshooter Jalen Brunson.
But it was Nembhard who would steal the spotlight once more with an even more remarkable shot.
Amidst a chaotic sequence, Haliburton found himself with the ball and the shot clock ticking down. With time running out, he passed to Nembhard, who, despite briefly losing control of the ball, managed to regather himself, execute a step-back move, and sink a three-pointer from 31 feet out – a shot that silenced the Knicks’ resurgence and ignited the home crowd into a frenzy. This miraculous basket would ultimately seal the 111-106 victory for the Pacers.
Despite only tallying two field goals for the night, Nembhard’s willingness to step up in critical moments underscored his value to the team. This was not the first time he showcased such nerves of steel; reminiscent of his rookie season, Nembhard displayed similar heroics with a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a game defined by clutch plays and heart-stopping moments, Nembhard’s shot stood out as the defining moment, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Pacers in the face of adversity. And as the series unfolds, it’s clear that with players like Nembhard stepping up when it matters most, the Pacers are poised for greatness.
„He’s one of our toughest guys, mentally and physically,” praised Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle of Nembhard. “He’s really gained a love for these types of moments and playing in this kind of stage, this kind of level of competition…The clock was down. Sometimes in those situations, it frees you up even more. He just laced it.”
In the aftermath of the adrenaline-fueled final minutes, Nembhard admitted that much of it felt like a blur, emphasizing that he was fully immersed in the intensity of the moment. “Basketball’s a game of many mistakes,” he reflected. “It’s about being neutral, not getting high or low based off good or bad plays. Just trying to move on and understand the next play’s the most important.”
Nembhard’s composure and mental fortitude didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates, who had full confidence in his ability to deliver when the pressure was at its peak. “Andrew does so many things for us as a team, just fights every possession, picking up full court. He’s so valuable for us,” acknowledged Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. “Obviously, he wasn’t making shots or anything like that. But we have full trust in him, the work that he puts in. He’s a confident kid…Obviously it’s a tough shot, but if somebody’s going to make that, it’s going to be him. I just love everything about him and his focus.”
As the Pacers-Knicks series unfolds, each game has unfolded with nail-biting intensity, underscoring the parity and competitiveness between the two teams. With the Pacers boasting an undefeated record at home since March 18, winning all four playoff games played on their home court, the importance of maintaining home-court advantage cannot be overstated. Secure your tickets now to be part of the electrifying atmosphere at Pacers.com/Playoffs and cheer the team on as they strive for victory.
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