How do you follow up the craziest comeback in NBA playoff history?
I was terrified of the idea of the Detroit Pistons having to face the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. It turns out my fears were on point. After historic final-minute comebacks against the Milwaukee Bucks in round one and the Cleveland Cavliers in round two, they pulled off perhaps the biggest comeback in NBA history in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks .
I won’t relitigate the whole thing but it involved insane 3-point shooting, some abysmal free-throw shooting, and a final-second shot that caromed off the rim 10 feet in the air before settling neatly into the basket. Also, a choke sign.
I’m not sure how these teams follow up such a barn burner. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it involved the Knicks blowing out the Pacers. Or it could go the other direction. Or it could go down to the final minutes. What I’m sure of is there will be plenty of offense and minimal defense. A fun Friday night watch.
Game Vitals
When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Watch: TNT, TruTV, Max
Odds: Knicks -6
Projected Lineups
Indiana Pacers (1-0)
Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner
New York Knicks (0-1)
Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns