Burning questions: Same ol' Pacers?
ESPN.com
We've definitely seen this before. The Knicks and Pacers met in last year's Eastern Conference finals, and Indiana has played for the East title in four of the last six seasons.
Of course, as the Pacers prepare to host Game 2, we're reminded that Indiana has never advanced beyond this round. In the first installment of our Q&A series with ESPN's NBA experts, we asked whether the Pacers' history will haunt them again this season:
This is the Pacers' fifth trip to the Eastern Conference finals, yet they've never reached the NBA Finals. They've been denied twice by the Knicks, including last year. Is there a mental block for Indiana to overcome?
Bucher |
ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher
I don't think there is a mental block. With Reggie Miller, in particular, he has demonstrated in the playoffs so far that he has more of a killer instinct than I've even seen him demonstrate before on a consistent basis. At this point, the Pacers' previous losses have sharpened their hunger to get it done, working as an advantage for them. This team is also composed a little differently than it has been in the past, with Jalen Rose evolving and emerging as a legitimate go-to guy and a potential All-Star. And Austin Croshere, replacing Antonio Davis, gives them a little more versatility than they had before. |
Aldridge |
NBA reporter David Aldridge
No. That's something the media talks about, but I don't think teams worry about it. The problem has been the matchups over the past few years. Last year, the Pacers didn't have anybody who could put a body on Marcus Camby, and Camby killed them. When Ewing was out, Camby was the best player on the floor, and Indiana had nobody who could deal with him. The Pacers are hoping Austin Croshere can do that for them this year. If he can, Indiana has a pretty good shot. What I like about the Pacers is that Miller is a much more aggressive player offensively. He's more comfortable putting the ball on the floor, squaring up and driving to the basket. He has more energy this time of year than I've seen in the last couple of seasons. Obviously, the Pacers take their cue from him and are a very good team when Miller has a good mental approach to the game. |
Ramsay |
NBA analyst Dr. Jack Ramsay
No. Each season takes on its own character. In fact, their history in the East finals might even add to the incentive for the Pacers. |
Carter |
NBA analyst Fred Carter
I don't think there is a mental block. The Pacers are looking at this year as a chance to get even. They have had struggles with Milwaukee and Philadelphia, but they prevailed. I give Indiana an edge, especially at the beginning of the series, because New York may be tired coming off that seven-game series with Miami. Last year's series with the Knicks left a bitter taste in the Pacers' mouth. So I think the Pacers will come out with a vengeance to jump all over New York.
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Jackson |
NBA 2Night's Jason Jackson
There is no mental block if you listen to them. They are working on pure passion, on trying to overcome past history, and on disdain for the Knicks. So I don't think anything is lingering in their minds except for the negative taste in their mouths because of their past experiences with the Knicks. I don't think there is any lack of confidence in beating New York. The Pacers, at the same time, don't want to go out there helter skelter and start firing off bombs and going to the hole without playing because it could mess them up.
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