ESPN report: Legend list three players that will help knicks to win in game 4

The New York Knicks came dangerously close to taking a commanding 3-0 series lead in Game 3 on the road in Indiana, but their inability to field a full roster of healthy players proved to be too much for them. Due in large part to the absence of OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson’s foot injury, the Knicks were competitive right up to the last possession thanks to strong performances from Donte DiVincenzo (35 points) and Alec Burks (14 points off the bench).

But Anunoby won’t be available for Game 4 and possibly beyond, so if the Knicks want to win the series against the Pacers, more players will need to step up.

The Knicks will need to improve on the following three players in Game 4:

1. Precious Achiuwa
In Game 3, Precious Achiuwa replaced Anunoby at the start, making it his first start since March 10. Despite recording three blocks that evening and several crucial defensive plays, Achiuwa was unable to have a significant effect elsewhere.

Achiuwa, who had a plus-minus of -6, played 22 minutes, scored just five points, and pulled down six rebounds. Now, it’s important to note that Achiuwa’s incapacity to stretch the floor means that starting him next to Isaiah Hartenstein limits frontcourt spacing; therefore, it could be better for him to come off the bench.

The Knicks will need greater offensive output from Achiuwa whether or not he starts because their bench is as thin as it has ever been. Since he struggles with three-point shooting, he will need to be more aggressive in the paint and prepared to take more hits in order to draw fouls and earn clean looks.

2. McBride Miles
In Game 3, Miles McBride had his greatest performance of the second round, scoring 10 points out of a possible 29 points, including two three-pointers. After a fantastic first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, he has struggled in the last four games. Since Game 6 of that series, he is only averaging 4.3 points and shooting only 28% from the field.

Although McBride has taken full advantage of his opportunity, they will need him to step up offensively more than before because Brunson is playing with a limp.

He is the team’s primary offensive option when playing from the bench, so if he can establish a rhythm, it will provide some of the starters much-needed rest, which might be crucial for them in the closing minutes of a close game.

3. Burks, Alec
Alec Burks had played in just 44 seconds of postseason action this year before Game 3. Burks was forced to play a considerable amount of minutes in Game 3 due to the Knicks’ injuries, and he did not disappoint, scoring 14 points in 21 minutes off the bench on 4-6 shooting from the field (2-3 from three).

Still, one game is insufficient to proclaim the return of the old Burks. If the Knicks want to maintain control of the series while being without a number of important players, he will need to keep playing solid minutes.

It is hoped that Burks can duplicate the shooting ability that Bojan Bogdanovic provided them with off the bench prior to suffering wrist and ankle ailments in the opening round that ended his season. Should Burks succeed in doing so, the bench will be in better condition and the Knicks will have a dependable alternative going forward.