Sports

Game 4 gives Pacers rare 2nd chance to take commanding lead over Knicks in Eastern semifinals

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, left, and New York Knicks forward Iman Shumpert get tied up during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (The Associated Press)

Indiana Pacers' David West (21) puts up a shot against New York Knicks' Tyson Chandler (6) during the second half of Game 3 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series on Saturday, May 11, 2013, in Indianapolis. Indiana defeated New York 82-71. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

Indiana has a second chance to put New York on the ropes.

They blew it once, in Game 2, and they're not about to let it happen again Tuesday night in Game 4.

If Indiana can replicate the tough defense and dominant rebounding that have been key factors in all of its playoff wins this season, the Pacers could head back to New York with a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals.

Things seem to be lining up perfectly for the Pacers. They're one of two unbeaten home teams left in the playoffs and the Knicks are 0-3 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse this season.

The Knicks practiced again Monday without forward Kenyon Martin and guard J.R. Smith, who are ill and questionable for Game 4.