This is the first conference finals for the Knicks in 25 years. It’s their opportunity to avenge last year’s second-round defeat. 

Those statements were prominent storylines heading into Wednesday’s Game 1 against the Pacers at MSG.

But both would be false if OG Anunoby hadn’t strained his hamstring. 

The Knicks were winning that series last year with a healthy Anunoby. No question about it. They were on their way to a 2-0 series lead. They were better than the Pacers. Then Anunoby grabbed the back of his leg in Game 2, and that was the biggest turning point.