It Doesn’t Continue to Go Knicks’ Way

Not even the most generous continuation call can last two days.

After winning Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals with help from a liberal definition of the act of shooting on Saturday, the New York Knicks could not carry the momentum through Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks lost much more than their inertia. They lost the game, 90-78, and the homecourt advantage in the best-of-seven series.

So after all of the hype and hoopla, the series is again all even--this time at 2-2--and with the Pacers forced to do nothing more than defend their home court in Indianapolis. Game 5 will be Wednesday night at Market Square Arena.

It was as if the Knicks thought they couldn’t lose after Larry Johnson’s miraculous three-point shot and free throw after a dubious foul call delivered them Game 3. The Knicks forgot to do the basics Monday night. They didn’t guard the Pacers particularly well or help out on defense. They didn’t box out and they didn’t work to get good shots.

That’s why they trailed by 13 points after a first half in which Indiana center Rik Smits played only 30 seconds because of two quick fouls. That’s why they lost despite another off-game for Reggie Miller, who had 12 points and shot 3 for 10 from the field.

The Pacers shot 50% and outrebounded the Knicks, 41-30--statistics that Knick Coach Jeff Van Gundy referred to in one way or another over and over again after the game.

Van Gundy made a long-awaited, much-demanded move and put Latrell Sprewell into the starting lineup (“SPREE AT LAST!” the front page of the New York Post rejoiced).

Sprewell is at his best when he can get out in transition. But when the other team is scoring frequently, it’s difficult to get fast breaks. Sprewell was horrendous in the half-court offense, clanging shot after shot off the front of the rim. He made three of 11 shots in the first half; not exactly the injection of offense Van Gundy expected.

“We all had good looks, and it was one of those nights where the ball was not falling for you,” said Sprewell, who finished with 12 points.

The looks the Knicks got were nowhere near the quality of shot the Pacers took. Indiana scored 32 of its 45 first-half points in the paint, in addition to making seven free throws. That’s 87% of the points coming from within 15 feet.

The Pacers forced the action more throughout the game, as evidenced by their 30 free throws to the Knicks’ 14.

This might have been one of Larry Bird’s finer moments as Pacer coach. It wasn’t so much a strategical masterpiece as it was rescuing his team from the emotional letdown that came from blowing game 3.

“We talked a bit [Sunday] about it,” Bird said. “We knew we had to get over it. I was even heartbroken. I told them, ‘It’s a tough one to take. We still have to have our focus because we have a game [Monday] and we have to bring this thing together.”

Bird also didn’t hesitate to call out the players who weren’t performing. He has called on his Hall of Fame playing credentials more as of late, particularly when comparing his clutch performances to Miller’s disappearance down the stretch in Game 3. He also harped on Dale (one rebound in 22 minutes Saturday) Davis and Antonio Davis.

“Any time Larry Legend is coming to you and saying we need something from you, you have to give your all,” said Antonio Davis, who had 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Dale Davis had 12 rebounds and 10 points. Chris Mullin and Jalen Rose, both underachievers in the first three games, came in with 18 points and 19 points, respectively.

If Mullin’s scoring was a bonus, Rose’s strong play was essential because he had to fill in for the injured Travis Best (groin pull) at the backup point guard position. Rose played 31 minutes and scored two huge baskets in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks cut into a Pacer lead that was in double digits for most of the second half to seven twice in the fourth quarter. But each time Rose responded by making a jump shot.

Miller might not have enjoyed the satisfaction of silencing Madison Square Garden with big shots the way he has in the past, but he enjoyed the next-best thing: a three-point play that gave Indiana a 12-point lead with 1:13 remaining and had the fans stampeding to the exits.

By starting Sprewell, Van Gundy has already made his move--unless he wants to put Marcus Camby into the starting lineup too. Camby had another solid game with 18 points, 14 rebounds and four steals.

NBA

NOTES: Doc Rivers, a 13-season NBA player turned TV commentator, will turn his attention to coaching the Orlando Magic. Page 5

GAME 5

Wednesday at Indiana, 6 p.m.