Pacers, Knicks hoping to make most of their second chances with closeout wins

The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks understand the stakes. Second chances are rare in the NBA playoffs, and if these two franchises intend to change their recent postseason histories, neither can afford to blow another opportunity in an Eastern Conference elimination game on May 2. “We got a little stagnant, holding the ball and playing a little slower,” Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton said following a 115-92 loss April 30 at Milwaukee. Indiana hasn't been to the Eastern Conference semifinals since beating Atlanta in 2014, but these Pacers have been defying trend lines all season.