As has transpired throughout the series between Indiana and New York, the trend of the home team coming out with a win continued tonight. Facing elimination down 2-3, the Pacers bounced back with authority blowing the Knicks 116-103 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Shaquille O’Neal called this on Inside the NBA even before the series started, and it has been one exciting matchup indeed. There is, however, another take from Shaq; something that might prove crucial now as Jalen Brunson’s squad enters a win-or-go-home situation this Sunday in Game 7.

After the Knicks beat the Sixers in the previous round in a hard-fought series, Shaq could not wait for the Indiana series to start and claimed, “You got a young Indiana team that likes to run and you got a feisty New York team that no matter what happens, they will never quit. So, I am looking forward to this next series.”

In this series that has continuously gone back and forth, the Knicks have lost their advantage twice. First, they gave up their two-game lead after losing games three and four on the road. And again tonight, they couldn’t close out the series like the New York fans hoped. Notably, New York has fought through adversity all year with several star players being out of the lineup due to injuries and still making it this far in the playoffs because of their grit and determination. And with their backs against the wall, it is time for them to channel Shaq’s words and display their never-quit attitude this Sunday.

The road to the Conference Finals goes through MSG

Already undermanned before heading to tonight’s game and then Josh Hart struggling throughout the game after a nasty collision, the Knicks couldn’t do much against the Pacers. Coming out with great intensity and high energy, Tyrese Haliburton and Co. took care of business at home and dominated the Knicks from the get-go. Putting forth a great team effort, six players on the Pacers roster scored in double-digits, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with his twenty-five-point performance.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson tried his best to keep the Knicks afloat as he went off for thirty-one points. But his singular effort was not enough to eliminate the Pacers. Now, both teams will face each other for the final time on Sunday in a highly-anticipated Game 7. Fortunately for the Knicks, the game will be played on their home court, the Mecca of basketball Madison Square Garden. Going by the record, the Knicks have a huge advantage this Sunday as they have won every home game in this series, by a significant margin. Moreover, supporting players tend to play better in familiar territory during crucial games.

On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton and Co. have struggled on the road, and knowing the Knicks fans, the atmosphere at MSG this Sunday will not be friendly for the visiting team. So, with the support of their fans and Shaq’s warning in mind, the Knicks need to fight back because that is the only way to continue their playoff journey.