On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files… the Pacers (5-8) picked up a 106-104 NBA Cup win over the New York Knicks with hard play, paint dominance, and a needed jolt from the bench unit. They got contributions from everybody who played, and held off a late push by the Knicks (6-6) in the final five minutes — in front of a sellout crowd (17,274) and millions more watching on Prime Video.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Bench productivity — from T.J. McConnell’s playmaking to Jay Huff’s eight points in eight minutes
Impact of Kelly Oubre Jr.
Controlling the paint and limiting the Knicks’ rebounding strength
Ivica Zubac continuing to grow with this group — and posting a double-double, including more offensive rebounds (nine) than the Knicks (eight)
Jarace Walker being the only Pacer to not see the court, and whether sitting the bench can inspire growth
Aaron Nesmith exiting the game in the final seconds with an apparent left wrist injury
Pacers holding on late despite being outscored 10-2 over the final 4:59
Why you should NOT be concerned by the latest Haliburton injury update
And my pregame story…
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