G3 Preview of the Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks consider starting and changing teams, Halliburton s total score is 3-0

At 8 a.m. on May 26, the Eastern Conference Finals continued, and the Pacers will face the Knicks at home to start the third game of the series. Currently, the Pacers lead the Knicks 2-0 in total score, and Halliburton strives to lead the team to the match point.

Under the tactical system of "all people are soldiers", the Pacers are only two games away from their first NBA Finals since 2000. In the first match of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers reversed from a 14-point trail with less than three minutes left in regular time, and finally defeated the Knicks 138-135 overtime. Halliburton and Nesmith are stars in the first match of the Eastern Conference Finals. Halliburton scored 31 points and 11 assists, and Nesmith scored 30 points for 8 of 9 three-pointers. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers won another game 114-109, and Siakam scored 39 points, setting a new record for the individual playoff score.

"I think what's special about our team is that we have different offensive weapons and we never struggle with 'who should do what'," Siakam said after the second game. "You just have to go into the game and no matter how the game unfolds, we will deal with it the way we do it. It doesn't matter who scores. Thanks to my teammates for coming to me and making sure I stay aggressive throughout the game. It takes everyone's joint efforts to achieve our goals."

If the Pacers continue to win in Game 3, they will have a chance to finish the series at home. But Pacers head coach Carlisle refused to discuss the topic in advance.

"You can't assume it's easier to go back to home, it's never been the case," Carlisle said. "In the playoffs, every step forward becomes harder. The Knicks have an amazing fighting spirit."

The Knicks are now focusing on turning the table from a huge disadvantage. In the first two games, Brunson scored 43 points and 36 points respectively.

"What I want to say to my teammates is that we obviously have to continue fighting," Brunson said. "It takes a day, a game, and we can't look forward. We can't think of anything except the third game."

Brunson also gave 11 assists in the second game, but missed a three-pointer that could equalize the score with 8.1 seconds left. In addition, the Knicks have many loopholes in defense. Towns only played 28 minutes due to the difficulty of defending Siakam, which allowed substitute center Mitchell Robinson to get 29 minutes of playing time (6 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks). New York reporters said that the Knicks may change their starting lineup in the third game and replace Hart with Robinson.

Hart himself also called for Robinson to gain more opportunities in the third battle. "We have to find a way to... let him play more time," Hart said. "We are great when he is on the court. We all have to be willing to sacrifice for the good of the team."

Brunson refused to blame each other. "Obviously, we can blame each other, say it's wrong, that's wrong, and put the blame on someone," Brunson said. "But overall, we have to unite, that's all." The third match coincided with Indianapolis' famous "500 Mile Grand Prix" and the atmosphere at the scene would reach the culmination of fanaticism.

"I've been to the 500-mile Grand Prix scene, it's crazy, so I can't imagine the scene where all the spectators flock to the Pacers' Arena by then," Halliburton said. "The scene will be a noisy crowd, and maybe a little drunk. Who knows? It will be a special moment and it will be fun."

Injury List

Knicks: All players can play

Pacers: Isaiah Jackson absent

ESPN predicted win rate: Knicks 40.4%, Pacers 59.6%