Pacers dig deep for Game 3 win over Knicks (Patreon)

By Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper

The title to this video podcast is meant to reflect several different meanings. For the first time in this series, the starters for the Pacers not only were confronted by a late-game deficit but also surmounted it, matching the grittiness of the Knicks with extra efforts both on the glass and at the defensive end. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton attacked the rim to the point of turning his ankle and taking a hard fall on his back, while pushing the ball downhill against switches and through help coverages. For the game, he recorded 25.0 drives per 100 possessions, which was his highest rate since being listed as questionable with back spasms ahead of Game 4 against the Bucks. Then, to cap things off, Andrew Nembhard drilled the game-winner from deep range, stepping up by stepping back to convert the biggest shot of his career.

It was a fun game! As such, Samson Folk is here to talk about the Pacers meeting the moment, especially with respect to Aaron Nesmith guarding Jalen Brunson and what else changed because of the fact that Nesmith was guarding Jalen Brunson.

Here are the relevant timestamps:

0:00 - Introductions

1:00 - Standout moments from all of the starters during closing time

7:34 - Impact of the adjustment to put Aaron Nesmith on Jalen Brunson

12:32 - Nesmith got some help from Andrew Nembhard's off-ball defense

13:27 - On the flip side, Tyrese was primarily guarding Donte DiVincenzo

17:12 - Nesmith benefiting from playoff basketball like the Knicks

18:53 - The Pacers winning the possession war

21:05 - What happened to the bench?

26:22 - Lack of consistency guarding Hartenstein-DiVincenzo actions

32:13 - Should Tyrese be top-locking DiVincenzo?

33:29 - Predictable versus Unpredictable defense

37:11 - Forcing Hartenstein to make plays in space

39:25 - Explanations for why Siakam isn't sagging off from Achiuwa

44:25 - Starters not providing any doubt about the closing lineup

46:47 - TJ-Obi minutes as a potential knockout punch in Game 4?

51:21 - New Shirt Release!!!

52:47 - Thank you and Goodbye!