"Wear red or something Sunday" - Kevin Durant's podcast co-host comically gives Knicks advice after black outfit plan fails in Game 6
The New York Knicks were on the verge of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for only the second time in the 21st century after securing a commanding victory in Game 5 over the Indiana Pacers. That energized the fervent crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Despite facing significant injuries that have depleted their depth, the New York Knicks have continued to battle, led by the stellar performance of Jalen Brunson. However, the Indiana Pacers have proven formidable at home throughout the 2024 NBA playoffs.
In Game 6, the Pacers asserted their dominance by securing a commanding 116-103 victory, successfully defending their home court and forcing a decisive seventh game.
A notable event before tipoff that caught fans' eyes was the Knicks showing up all in black. However, after the defeat, Kevin Durant's podcast co-host, Eddie Gonzalez, called them out for their attire:
"Wear red or something Sunday fellas"
A common perception around wearing all black is for its connection to funerals, and Eddie humorously pointed out that it wasn’t a good look for New York to lose after drawing eyes on their attire.
New York Knicks must protect home court in Game 7 vs Indiana Pacers
With the series returning to Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks have ample reasons to remain optimistic about securing a spot in the Eastern Conference finals to face the Boston Celtics.
However, they must address certain areas of their game for what promises to be the most crucial contest of the 2023-24 season.
The Indiana Pacers demonstrated adept adjustments in Game 6, addressing several weaknesses that surfaced in Game 5. Similarly, the Knicks will need to make adjustments of their own.
While it's important to emphasize that no single player alone determines the outcome, particularly in the context of a blowout loss, there are aspects of the game where the Knicks could strive for improvement in Game 7. Certain players will play pivotal roles in ensuring they avoid falling short in a similar fashion.
In Game 6, the Knicks noticeably lacked the same intensity on the glass as in previous games.
The Pacers deserve credit for their heightened efforts in securing rebounds, particularly with Myles Turner demonstrating increased diligence in boxing out Isaiah Hartenstein, who had been a standout performer for the Knicks in Game 5. New York was outrebounded 47-35, as Indiana made a concerted effort to address their previous weakness on the defensive glass.
Heading into Game 7, the Knicks must harness the energy of their home crowd to capitalize on one of their roster's greatest strengths. Utilizing their crowd support, they aim to assert dominance on the boards and eventually bring an end to the Pacers' season.