The Knicks had a dismal performance in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the Indiana Pacers. For the Knicks to win game 2, they would need Carmelo Anthony to play like the scoring champion he is. They would also need JR Smith to get back on track as well. The Knicks were going into game 2 trying to tie up the series at 1.
The Knicks got off to a hot start in the 1st quarter, with Carmelo Anthony scoring 8 points and Raymond Felton scoring 9. At the end of the 1st quarter they had a 29-20 lead. The 2nd quarter was the Iman Shumpert show. Shumpert led the team with 8 points in the quarter. He also had a put back dunk, that ignited the Garden crowd. However, the Pacers started to make a run and cut the score to 47-42 at halftime. The Pacers continued their comeback in the 3rd quarter as they took the lead after being down by 13 points. The Knicks would pull away towards the end of the 3rd quarter. They went on a 10-2 run to finish the quarter. In the 4th quarter, the Knicks put the game away; defeating the Pacers, 105-79. Carmelo showed us a glimpse of the player he has been all season. He ended the game with 32 points and a standing ovation. Even Pablo Prigioni received some praise from the Garden faithful, with his play.
The Knicks tie the series up at 1 and will now head to Indiana for game 3. Amar’e Stoudemire looks to make his return for this game. He is coming back after missing two months with a knee injury. The Knicks will look to get JR Smith on track, as he has struggled in the last few games. Game time is set for 8:00pm on Saturday.
Anthony Rivera: PureSportsNY