NBA

Indiana heads home trailing two games to none, but they should be encouraged by Toppin’s play in the Big Apple. After scoring 12 points in Game 1, he tallied 20 more in Game 2 and has reached double figures in six straight. Toppin’s play on Wednesday helped the Pacers on a night when they got little from Myles Turner (six points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot). Indiana’s bench dominated the first two games, outscoring New York by a 46-12 margin in Game 2. The series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday night.

McConnell has played well in the first two games of this series, but that hasn’t been enough to convince Pacers coach Rick Carlisle to leave him on the court in crunch time. While the veteran point guard did the best job of making Jalen Brunson work for his scoring opportunities, starter Andrew Nembhard closed the game. While Nembhard (15 points, four assists, and one 3-pointer in 27 minutes) is more of a threat offensively, he has not been as effective defending Brunson in crunch time. While their places in the rotation may not change for Game 3 on Friday, don’t be surprised if McConnell’s minutes increase, as the Pacers can’t afford to fall into a 0-3 hole.

After shooting 73.2% from the foul line during the regular season, Siakam has been even worse in the playoffs. He missed both attempts in Game 2, falling to 16.7% (1-of-6) for the series. Add in the six games against the Bucks, and Siakam is now 7-of-28 (25%) for the postseason. The Knicks potentially losing OG Anunoby to a hamstring injury will impact how they defend Siakam, with Precious Achiuwa taking on the responsibility down the stretch of Game 2. Regardless of who’s defending Spicy P, he must be much better at the foul line.

After attempting just six shots in Monday’s Game 1 loss, Haliburton was the focus of many conversations. He was far more aggressive on offense in Game 2, attempting eight shots in the first quarter alone and finishing with a game-high 34 points. Haliburton can be even more aggressive on that end of the floor, which could happen in Game 3 on Friday. Despite the defeat, Wednesday’s performance was a step in the right direction for the All-Star point guard.

Hartenstein was outstanding in Game 2, finishing two assists shy of a triple-double while committing just one turnover. Jalen Brunson not being at full strength after injuring his right foot during the first half may not have impacted iHart, positionally speaking. Still, his ability to serve as a secondary playmaker was one of the reasons why the Knicks remained within striking distance. Hartenstein and the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead to Indianapolis, where Game 3 will be played on Friday night.

The Knicks held serve at home in the first two games, and DiVincenzo’s improved play is one reason. The “Big Ragu” has been on a bit of a heater, with his run of three straight games of 23 points or more beginning with the Game 6 win over Philadelphia. In the first two games against the Pacers, DiVincenzo has scored 53 points on 20-of-37 shooting from the field (11-of-21 from three). Indiana doesn’t defend as well as Philadelphia, especially on the wings, and the Knicks have taken advantage. DiVincenzo will look to keep his run going in Game 3 on Friday.

Hart has played every minute of the Knicks’ last two games and has shown no signs of slowing down. If there has been an issue for him, it’s the turnovers, as he was responsible for five more on Wednesday. That said, Hart has done enough across the board to minimize the impact of those mistakes. The Knicks head to Indiana with a 2-0 lead, but injuries suffered by Jalen Brunson (foot) and OG Anunoby (hamstring) could put even more responsibility on Hart’s plate for Friday’s Game 3.

Brunson endured an injury scare during the first half of Game 2, exiting with 3:32 remaining in the first quarter. An apparent sore foot kept him in the locker room through halftime, but the Knicks point guard returned for the start of the third quarter. And it’s a good thing he did, as Brunson took over in the second half to lead the Knicks in scoring again. While his streak of 40-point games concludes, the Knicks taking a 2-0 series lead to Indianapolis is more important. Also, the Knicks are 6-1 in “clutch games” (games with a margin of five points or less with five minutes remaining) this postseason. Brunson said he’ll try to be available for Game 3 on Friday, so consider him questionable.

Anunoby, who was on fire offensively, appeared to tweak his hamstring on a run-out during the third quarter. Soreness in his left hamstring is why the Knicks forward will not return to Game 2. Precious Achiuwa will play more minutes off the bench in Anunoby’s absence. OG finished with 28 points (10-of-19 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, one block, and four 3-pointers in 28 minutes.

Having exited with a little over three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Brunson was considered questionable to return. The All-Star point guard started the third quarter but has not looked like his usual self.