Connect with us

Indiana

Knicks’ help is on the way after brutal trip to Indiana

Published

on

Knicks’ help is on the way after brutal trip to Indiana


The New York Knicks are in desperate need of home cooking. After opening the series with two consecutive wins, the Knicks now find themselves knotted up with the Indiana Pacers at two games a piece. Things went horribly wrong in Indiana, especially in Game 4. But thankfully, the Knicks return to New York for Game 5. And while home court isn’t as good as having a healthy OG Anunoby, Madison Square Garden has been incredibly kind to the Knicks so far this postseason. And that home-court advantage could rejuvenate a Knicks team that has looked increasingly beaten down.

Knicks’ home court has been good this postseason

The Knicks are presently 4-1 when they play at home this post-season. That’s not terribly shocking, but the fact remains that home-court advantage still exists in New York. Madison Square Garden was especially loud in the Knicks’ first-round matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. They did their best to intimidate and psych out the 76ers with a special focus on reigning MVP Joel Embiid. And for the most part, they did their job. 

The crowd was slightly less engaged in Game 1 against the Pacers, but they woke up late in the game. To be fair, even fans suffer emotional hangovers after advancing past a rival in a hard-fought series. They were sharper in Game 2, but there is considerably more motivation for Knicks fans to come back with a healthy dose of energy and vitriol for Game 5. 

The logic behind why Knicks’ fans will be motivated is obvious; namely, a blowout Game 4 loss in Indiana. But despite being pretty banged up when the series began, New York is even more banged up now. OG Anunoby suffered a hamstring strain that cost him Game 3 and Game 4. Anunoby is questionable for Game 5. Jalen Brunson also tweaked his right foot. And while he hasn’t missed a game, he has not looked like a fully healthy version of himself since the injury, especially in Game 4.

Advertisement

Can MSG replace injured OG Anunoby?

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Anunoby’s injury is especially worrisome. His presence is obviously a major boost for New York, who is 26-5 with Anunoby in their lineup. He is among the best defensive stoppers in the game, and he’s shown impressive flashes on the offensive end in the second-round matchup with Indiana.

Thankfully, the Garden crowd is a powerful sixth man. They have been especially engaged this postseason, and they are an intimidating bunch. Expect an extra degree of motivation for Game 5, as Knicks’ fans are likely bitter about how Game 3 ended and the lack of a fight in Game 4.

But home-court advantage isn’t exactly new to the Knicks. They were tied for the ninth-best record at home throughout the regular season and closed out the year 7-3 at MSG. That’s impressive, especially for a team that was dealt its fair share of injuries this season.

Hopefully coming home has a powerful effect on the Knicks. Otherwise, their season could be over. New York’s injuries have left them rather undermanned. And that’s hamstrung a team whose depth was a major strength. Now, they’re struggling to fill out their rotation. And playing Brunson and Josh Hart more than 40 minutes per game has already taken a toll.  The longer this series goes, the worse it looks for the Knicks’ chances of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, which they haven’t done in 24 years.





Source link

Advertisement

Indiana

Indiana turns to transfer portal again, lands Cal QB, Maryland RB

Published

on

Indiana turns to transfer portal again, lands Cal QB, Maryland RB


A notable transfer class helped Indiana win 11 games for the first time in school history and make a surprise appearance in the college football playoff this season.

It appears coach Curt Cignetti is attempting to recreate that magic in 2025, landing a pair of notable offensive weapons through the portal ahead of Christmas.

On Monday, the Hoosiers landed Maryland running back Roman Hemby, who rushed for 607 yards and six touchdowns this year and has 2,347 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in his career.

He has led the Terps in rushing in each of the last three seasons while earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors twice and being named a Freshman All-American.

Advertisement

Henby will compete with senior Kaelon Black and UAB transfer Lee Beebe Jr. for snaps in the spring.

The Hoosiers got more good news on Tuesday, landing Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza via the transfer portal, 247 Sports reported.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound signal-caller has made 19 starts with the Golden Bears over the last two seasons, completing 66 percent of his passes for 4,712 yards with 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

He has also rushed for 197 yards and four touchdowns during his time in Berkeley.

He is the older brother of IU true freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza. His arrival in Bloomington is huge for the team that needs to replace Kurtis Rourke.

Advertisement

Georgia, Missouri, and UCLA were the other schools that were aggressively pursuing Mendoza, according to 247 Sports.

Mendoza will be the favorite to start at QB next season after top backup Tayven Jackson entered the transfer portal this week.

Indiana lost to Notre Dame in the first round of the first 12-team playoff on Dec. 20. The Hoosiers open the 2025 season against Old Dominion on Aug. 30.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Indiana

Pacers 111-105 Warriors (Dec 23, 2024) Box Score – ESPN

Published

on

Pacers 111-105 Warriors (Dec 23, 2024) Box Score – ESPN


After Warriors coach Steve Kerr delivered his most pointed criticism about Jonathan Kuminga’s decision-making and shot selection of late, the fourth-year forward responded with one of his best and most aggressive games of the season Monday night.



Source link

Continue Reading

Indiana

Obituary for Brianna Marie Povaleri-Mandrell at Madison Chapel

Published

on

Obituary for Brianna Marie Povaleri-Mandrell at Madison Chapel


Mrs. Brianna Marie Povaleri–Mandrell, age 25, of Hanover, Indiana entered this life on July 16, 1999 in Madison, Indiana. She was the loving daughter of Danelle Marie Povaleri Marshall. Her grandparents, Gary and Wanda Povaleri helped raise her from childhood. She was a 2018 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending