"The Knicks have to be extremely careful" - Quentin Richardson warns New York not to take Indiana for granted

Yahoo

2 days ago

Given the star power the New York Knicks possess, coupled with the spotlight that comes with being a big-market franchise, it's no surprise that much of the media is backing them to easily get past the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
However, Quentin Richardson isn't buying into that narrative. For him, there are no favorites in this series. Moreover, Q went on to issue a warning to Tom Thibodeau's team, pointing out how the Pacers are not only one of the deepest but even the fastest teams in transition — something that has left their opposition gasping for air when Indiana has gotten onto scoring runs.
Quentin warns the Knicks
There is no doubt that the Knicks have a well-rounded starting unit. All five of their starters are averaging double figures in scoring during the postseason. Add in the length and size of Karl Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, and there is no way the opposition can dominate this team in the paint.
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But have no doubt, Rick Carlisle's team has unquestionably been the most in-form team of the 2025 Playoffs. They own the second-best offensive rating at 118.3 and are shooting a collective 50.1 percent from the field. What's more impressive?
Six of their players are averaging between 10 and 19 points per game in the postseason, underscoring their balanced and unselfish style. No one player is burdened with the scoring load, and that shared responsibility has made them a nightmare to contain.
Richardson emphasized exactly that, warning that Indy's pace and intensity in transition could punish NY if they even slightly ease up.
"The Knicks have to be extremely careful," Richardson said. "They can't allow these guys to turn them over and get right into transition. This Indiana team is not to be taken lightly."
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The Pacers have better depth than the Knicks
While both teams have shown their grit and grind mentality, pulling off comeback wins and upsetting higher-seeded teams to reach the ECFs, depth might be the real separator in this matchup. New York relies heavily on their starting five, whereas Indiana's bench has been impactful throughout the postseason. And in a year where injuries have wreaked havoc on rosters, the team with more capable bodies might be the one that ultimately survives.
Players like Bennedict Mathurin, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin have all logged meaningful minutes and played pivotal roles in the Pacers' second-round triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their contributions have only elevated the team's belief and chemistry, which are key ingredients for any deep playoff run. On the other hand, Coach Thibs hasn't used much of his bench to give them the confidence to help their starters if things go haywire.
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That being said, both these spoken-of franchises—once proud NBA cornerstones—have endured decades of postseason droughts and heartbreaks, leaving their fan bases hungry for redemption. Now, as they go head-to-head, it will come down to which group of players can rise to the moment and prove they're ready to bring that long-awaited silverware home.
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