Indiana Pacers Slapped By New York Knicks: What Now?

The Pacers started the new year off right by ending their eight-game losing streak with a home win on Saturday over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks was a big step backwards.

Sunday night, the Pacers traveled to New York City to take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. There were some familiar faces in the building, as former Pacers players Al Harrington and Johnathan Bender now suit up with the Knicks, while  Donnie Walsh serves as Knicks GM. All three are probably glad they left Indianapolis and the struggling Pacers.

The Pacers got off to another slow start, trailing 38-16 at the end of the first quarter  en route to a 132-89 spanking. The Knicks scored at least 33 points in the first three quarters. The Pacers defense was able to hold the Knicks bench to 25 in the final 12 minutes of play.

Coach Jim O'Brien started Earl Watson at the point, with rookie A.J. Price backing him up as T.J. Ford was benched for yet another game. The Pacers were also without Troy Murphy, Jeff Foster, Danny Granger, and Tyler Hansbrough.

Even with five contributors missing, there was no excuse for what transpired in New York tonight. Something needs to be done.

The Knicks had a 48-point lead at one point during the game, and the Pacers shot just 20% (6-30) from three-point range. The Pacers never held a lead during the game, and shot just nine free throws all game on ten Knicks fouls.

Shooting 30 three-pointers and only getting ten fouls on the opponent means one thing for the Pacers — they are not taking the ball to the rim. Brandon Rush said it himself last week that the Pacers need to start penetrating more instead of relying on jump shots, but apparently I was the only person that heard/read that quote.

With the Pacers using what appears to be their 247th different lineup of the season, it is becoming quite clear that something drastic needs to change.  The Pacers should consider any trade offers they receive, save of course for anything involving Granger. But the way things are going, I don't even know if Danny is safe.

The fact is, this team is nowhere near playoff ready, and hopefully I'm not the only one that realizes this. I could discuss what the needs are for this team, but ultimately, there is room for improvement across the board, but it all starts with defense.