About ten days ago, the New York Knicks dominated the Indiana Pacers in the paint. Despite missing key players like Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, and Julius Randle, the Knicks managed to control the boards with Isaiah Hartenstein grabbing an impressive 19 rebounds and Jericho Sims contributing four rebounds in just 12 minutes of play. This dominance translated into a significant rebounding advantage, leading to 10 more shot attempts for the Knicks compared to the Pacers in their victory at Madison Square Garden on February 1st.
However, in their recent matchup, the tables turned. The Pacers, facing a Knicks team depleted by injuries, managed to outrebound them by nine and secure a comfortable win. The absence of Hartenstein and Sims, along with other key players, weakened the Knicks’ frontcourt presence and allowed the Pacers to assert themselves effectively.
The Pacers’ star player, Tyrese Haliburton, acknowledged their improvement in controlling the boards compared to their previous encounter with the Knicks. This shift highlights the vulnerability of the Knicks, who, despite being known for their prowess in dominating the interior, now find themselves struggling due to injuries.
While the return of Jalen Brunson provided some relief for the Knicks, the absence of key players like Robinson, Hartenstein, Sims, Anunoby, and Randle was keenly felt. Head coach Tom Thibodeau was forced to rely on Taj Gibson and Precious Achiuwa, who failed to fill the void left by their injured teammates adequately.
The Knicks, typically known for their strong rebounding, found themselves outmatched in this aspect by the Pacers’ starting frontcourt duo of Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam. Thibodeau emphasized the need for collective effort in rebounding, acknowledging the team’s lack of size and the necessity of putting bodies on opponents to secure rebounds.
Concerns about the length of recovery for injured players like Hartenstein, Sims, Anunoby, Randle, and Robinson further exacerbate the Knicks’ challenges. While some players like Sims may return soon, others such as Anunoby and Randle face longer timelines for recovery, impacting the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
With a string of upcoming games and the All-Star break looming, the Knicks face a daunting task of navigating through their injury woes. The team’s ability to adapt, remain competitive, and overcome these challenges will be crucial in maintaining their position in the league standings.
Despite their recent setbacks, the Knicks remain hopeful for a turnaround, banking on potential returns of key players and the resilience of their roster. However, their performance in the next few games will be pivotal in determining their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
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