New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during Game 6 of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks' Game 6 'funeral' attire backfires

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated 5/18/24

The New York Knicks were confident entering Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. In fact, players dressed themselves in all black before entering the arena.

Although no words were spoken, the tradition is familiar to the sports world. The black attire symbolized arriving for a funeral.

Knicks pulled up to Game 6 dressed in black pic.twitter.com/Bx7g8ZAWCg

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 18, 2024

Unfortunately for the Knicks, there would be no funeral — at least not for the Pacers.

In front of their home crowd, Indiana took it to New York early and held on late, securing a 116-103 victory. The win sends the series back to Madison Square Garden for a Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. It will be the first deciding game played at MSG since 1995.

“It’s definitely something we fought for, to have home-court advantage for as long as we can throughout the playoffs,” Jalen Brunson said via the New York Post. “But it’s not a given we win just because it’s at home. We have to go out there and play. They’re going to be ready and we’re going to be ready as well.”

Still, it’s something Brunson and the Knicks would have preferred to avoid. Their all-black display turned out to be an embarrassment and a humbling experience. It’s a safe bet they won’t arrive at MSG dressed in black on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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