May 21, 1995. Knicks host the Pacers for Game 7 of the conference semi-final. 29 years later, almost to the day, we can write the same sentence since, this Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Knicks will host the Pacers for Game 7 of the conference semi-final.
Between these two dates, Madison Square Garden did not host a seventh round… We can therefore imagine the noise that the public will make, deprived of this special match for so long.
“We live for these moments. That's why we sign with the Knicks. Play at home, in the Garden. It’s going to shake and that’s what we like,” explains Donte DiVincenzowho was not born during New York's victory in 1995. “The Garden is the Garden. We have a little more energy, the fans are incredible,” announces Isaiah Hartenstein.
An advantage but not all-risk insurance
Playing a Game 7 at home is a huge advantage (75% wins historically) and the Knicks can congratulate themselves on having sought – without calculating – second place in the Eastern Conference on the last day of the regular season.
“That’s why we played the last matches like that, to get second place. This is why. We'll be home for Game 7.”continues Donte DiVincenzo. “We fought to have home advantage for as long as possible”adds Jalen Brunson.
But be careful, even if the Knicks won their three home games in this series against the Pacers, this is not an assurance of qualifying. The public does not win matches…
“Victory is not given because we are at home. You have to get the qualification. They will be ready as we will be. Both teams will be desperate,” warns Jalen Brunson. “We worked hard to get second place but we still have to work to deserve this victory,” insists Tom Thibodeau. “We are not going to win just because we are at home. We will have to work and play well. »
