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.

Can MSG replace injured OG Anunoby?

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.