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.
He needs to see that, as Brunson will keep attacking them and without a good role player to play tight defense for sure Brunson will always take that shots, it's more on the adjustment side as they see how tough the NYK, they need to play together not just for the offense but more on their defense, playing at home might give them good inspiration to win a game, or better to tie it up and make it a raise to 3 games do-or-die series finals. Let see how Rick Carlisle will adjust to avoid a possible sweep.