Will the Knicks or Pacers Rule the Court in the NBA Playoffs Game 7?
The Battle for Dominance on the Boards
A Decisive Factor in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers head into Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series on Sunday afternoon, with the winner advancing to face the Miami Heat in the conference finals.
One of the key factors in determining the outcome of Game 7 will be the battle for dominance on the boards. Both the Knicks and Pacers are among the best rebounding teams in the NBA, with the Knicks ranked fourth in the league in rebounding differential (+5.6) and the Pacers ranked sixth (+4.9).
In Game 6, the Knicks outrebounded the Pacers 54-43, including a 17-12 advantage on the offensive glass. That led to a significant advantage in second-chance points, as the Knicks scored 19 points on second chances compared to just 9 for the Pacers.
Key Players to Watch
* New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle
* Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis
Why the Battle on the Boards is so Important
Rebounding is essential in basketball because it gives teams a second chance to score. The team that controls the boards can often dictate the tempo of the game and limit their opponent’s scoring opportunities. In a close game like Game 7, every possession is crucial, so the ability to get second-chance points could be the difference between winning and losing.
Conclusion
The battle for dominance on the boards will be one of the key factors in determining the outcome of Game 7 between the Knicks and Pacers. Both teams have talented rebounders, so it will be interesting to see which team can impose its will on the glass. The team that can control the boards will have a significant advantage in this crucial Game 7.
Kind regards,
E. Thompson