3 keys for Knicks in Game 3 of Eastern Conference finals
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts in the 4th quarter as the New York Knicks play the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
1. BURN THE TIRES OUT OF THE STARTING GRID
The Knicks have found themselves in a hole in each of the first two games of the series as their starters have struggled. If they do that at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday night and allow the crowd, accompanied by the piped-in sound of Indy car engines roaring, it will make the task of playing on the road even tougher.
2. LOCK IN DEFENSIVELY; THIS MEANS YOU, KAT
If we hadn’t seen Game 6 of the Boston series, we might just think that defensive miscues and lackadaisical communication are not fixable. But in a huge spot, the Knicks did it to advance. So why have they suddenly looked lost against Indiana’s unselfish, diverse and fast-paced offense? The Knicks need Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor but need him to not be a target on defense.
3. SPREAD THE WEALTH
It’s hard to argue with the play of Jalen Brunson when he’s put up 43 and 36 points in the first two games. But the Knicks could take a lesson from the Pacers and get Towns and OG Anunoby involved early. That could wake up the defense, too. The Knicks had four players score at least 40 points in a game this season, but this feels as if it’s all on Brunson’s shoulders.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
