In a series where momentum has shifted by the day, the New York Knicks have one major advantage awaiting them for Game 7 on Sunday: Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks lost to the Pacers, 116-103, in Game 6 on Thursday, as Indiana roared back from a 30-point loss in Game 5 to force the decisive Game 7.
Now the series — one in which the home team hasn't lost — turns back to MSG.
Speaking after Game 6, Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo said this exact situation is what anyone hopes for when they sign with the Knicks.
"This is what you live for. This is why you sign with the Knicks," DiVincenzo said. "It's to come home, play in front of the Garden, Game 7, it's going to be rocking."
"This is what you live for. This is why you sign with the Knicks."
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 18, 2024
- Donte DiVincenzo on playing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden pic.twitter.com/B54zoh8Jez
The Knicks will need the raucous MSG crowd behind them. The already-shorthanded Knicks added yet another injury to their growing list in Game 6, with Josh Hart suffering an unidentified abdominal injury. Hart suffered the injury in the first quarter. He came in and out of the game over the following two periods, but didn't finish the game. His status for Game 7 is unknown.
Whether Hart can go or not, the Pacers clearly have the advantage in healthy, able bodies. The Knicks will have to hope that their home crowd can give them an energy lift.
After Game 6. DiVincenzo said this is exactly why the Knicks fought for the second seed and home-court advantage all the way through the 82nd game of the regular season.
"This is the exact reason why we played the last couple of games to get that two seed," DiVincenzo said. "This is the exact reason. We're going home, Game 7. We know the Garden's gonna be rocking and we're trying to handle business."
The Knicks last played a Game 7 at MSG in 1995 — against the Pacers. They lost on a last-second missed layup by Patrick Ewing to tie the game.
The Knicks will be hoping for a different result this time around.
