INDIANAPOLIS – Lately, the term “special” has been tossed around when referring to the Knicks.
We saw this when they managed to come back from a 20-point deficit to surprise the Celtics in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
They even overcame a 14-point shortfall in a pivotal Game 4, culminating in a significant upset over the reigning champions.
Now, sitting in a 2-0 hole in the Eastern Conference finals—25 years after their last appearance—this characterization feels even more appropriate.
They need to dig themselves out of this deficit.
Just like they did against the Pacers, Pistons, and Celtics in past encounters.
If they don’t, Tom Thibodeau’s crew might become just another chapter in the frustrating history of the franchise.
“I’ve said this plenty of times; I have total faith in my teammates,” Jalen Brunson mentioned. “We’ve been backed into a corner, but we know how to win. It’s a step-by-step process.”
It’s reminiscent of the Knicks’ promising year back in 1993.
They finished as the top seed after winning 60 games.
Initially, they took the first two games of the conference finals against Michael Jordan and the Bulls, but didn’t secure another victory.
Many still recall that moment when Charles Smith missed an easy layup in the closing seconds of Game 5.
A year later, the team squandered a 3-2 lead against the Rockets in the NBA Finals.
John Starks had a rough Game 7, finishing with just two points.
Then there was Reggie Miller, who famously stole Game 1 during the 1995 conference semifinals with an astonishing eight points in 8.9 seconds.
Patrick Ewing’s missed layup in the final moments of Game 7 marked the end of the Pat Riley era.
Riley left amid intense scrutiny that offseason.
In 1997, during Game 5 of the conference semifinals against the Heat, the Knicks faced the loss of several key players due to suspensions.
They eventually blew a 3-1 series lead.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Knicks let a 14-point lead slip away in Game 1, failing to force overtime.
How things will unfold in Game 2 is uncertain.
In the worst-case scenario, the series could be tied.
But instead, they find themselves down 2-0 and must secure a win in Game 3.
This issue needs quick resolution.
Will Thibodeau alter his starting lineup, especially considering they were outscored by 81 points in the playoffs? Is the team stuck in a pattern of missteps?
Can Josh Hart, who has been less effective in this series, find his rhythm again?
What will Karl-Anthony Towns do after being benched in the fourth quarter?
The odds aren’t in their favor.
Historically, only five teams in NBA playoff history have come back after losing their first two games at home.
This achievement has never happened in the finals.
“We’re not here to relive the past. We aim to create our own legacy,” Towns stated. “It’s striking how quickly you can lose two games, but it’s equally possible to turn that around.”
One point they can rely on is their success on the road.
They finished the regular season with a 24-17 record away from home and went 5-1 in the playoffs.
They closed the Pistons on the road and took down the Celtics in their own arena twice.
However, the Pacers have been impressive at Gainbridge Field House, holding a 5-1 record.
“It’s tough playing there,” Hart noted. “The crowd is engaged and supportive. Still, we’re a solid road team, and that gives us some confidence.”
