Speaking of McConnell , I think it was a bad decision by the coach to not let him play in the 4th. He had a good game defending Brunson and he is making shots that's why the Pacers were able to come back when the Knicks had their rally. I think it's safe to say that Brunson is unstoppable, but the Pacers have to put players that are really contributing to the game in both offensive and defensive end, and McConnell is one of them.
Game 3 will be at Indiana, it's a must win for the home team or else their series chance is at risk.
I think Rick Carlisle will going to have the same mistake he made when he was still coaching the Dallas Mavericks giving Jalen Brunson a very limited minutes hindering Jalen's full potential. Now, look at how Jalen were performing against his former coach and all throughout this whole playoffs run.
McConnell already made his impact to the team, yet it looks like It wasn't enough for Rick again. I remember Matthew Dellavedova with the Cavs before who made a good defensive impact, though he's guarding unstoppable PGs like Steph Curry, but he sure gave them a hard time when he was defending. I think McConnell will be the Pacers' X-factor.
I do agree, the second unit did it for the Pacers to get a good lead and McConnell is somewhat elated with his role and very animated as him and Brunson started to trash talk meaning the game very interesting.
But in the 4th quarter he did take him out and so the coach made another bad call here as he could let McConnell stay for a few minutes more and see how it goes for him. And you can see the frustrations in his face when he is in the bench and maybe thinking why the Carlisle take him out when he is doing good offensively and defensively.