New York Knicks: Keys to victory against Indiana Pacers on Nov. 5

The New York Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Nov. 5. What must New York do to defeat its bitter rivals?

When the New York Knicks play a rival, there’s a different air in the hosting arena. When that rival makes the trip to Madison Square Garden, fans expect the Knicks to meet their bitter foes with a blend of physicality and precision.

Come Sunday, November 4, New York will have all eyes on The Mecca when the Knicks host the Indiana Pacers in what may prove to be the most tense game of 2017-18 thus far.

While both New York and Indiana were expected to be non-factors in 2017-18, both teams have jumped out to strong starts. The Knicks will enter the clash at 4-4, while the Pacers are 5-4 with wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs.

With Myles Turner back in the rotation, it stands to reason that Nate McMillan’s crew could not only maintain this pace, but build upon its success.

Standing on the other end, however, will be the team representing Patrick Ewing’s honor against Reggie Miller’s former franchise. The Knicks and Pacers’ rivalry was one of the greatest of the 1990s, and it carried over into the 2010s.

The question is: Will it be Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks or Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers that secure the first victory in the new chapter of this legendary rivalry?