The Mountain to Climb

The New York Knicks' 2025 Eastern Conference Finals hopes now rest on overcoming overwhelming historical odds following their 138-135 overtime loss to Indiana. Teams trailing 0-2 in best-of-seven series have only recovered 7.3% of the time in NBA history. To become the 34th franchise to achieve this feat, the Knicks must rewrite basketball history books.

Historical Context and Modern Precedents

The Weight of History

Since 1996, only 33 teams have overcome 0-2 deficits - a list that includes recent champions like the 2023 Warriors and 2021 Bucks. New York's own 1990 comeback against Boston in a best-of-five series remains their last successful reversal from this position.

Indiana's Late-Game Mastery

The Pacers have developed a dangerous postseason habit, winning three playoff games this year after trailing by 7+ points in the final minute - the most such comebacks since 1998. Their Game 2 victory featured Haliburton's 38-point, 12-assist clinic and exposed New York's defensive vulnerabilities.

Keys to a Knicks Revival

Brunson's Heroic Burden

Jalen Brunson's 42-point Game 2 performance continues his historic playoff run (34.1 PPG, 9.2 APG). His 28-foot regulation buzzer-beater and clutch scoring (14 points in close games this postseason) keep New York's hopes alive. However, his supporting cast must improve:

• Julius Randle: Needs to surpass his quiet 18-point Game 2 showing
• Role Players: DiVincenzo (11 points) must regain shooting form

Tactical Adjustments

Critical areas for improvement:

• Transition Defense: Limit Indiana's fast breaks (22 Game 2 points)
• Three-Point Efficiency: Improve from 32.1% series accuracy
• Turnover Reduction: Address 15 Game 2 giveaways

The Legacy Factor

Madison Square Garden's rich history of miraculous moments - from Walt Frazier's 1973 heroics to Allan Houston's 1999 game-winner - provides emotional fuel. While the 7.3% success rate appears daunting, New York's DNA contains comeback blueprints that Brunson and company could emulate.

Key Matchup Watch

Thibodeau's defensive strategy against Haliburton will prove crucial. Potential adjustments include:

• Early double-teams to disrupt playmaking
• Zone defenses to contain perimeter threats
• Forcing secondary scorers like Mathurin (18 bench points) to beat them

Keywords: New York Knicks, NBA playoff comebacks, Jalen Brunson