Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a dark religious experience for Knicks fans. But it was not a deathblow.

For as much as the Knicks need to refocus on Friday night’s enormous Game 2, they also have to remember what led to them blowing a 14-point lead in the final 2:39 of regulation to avoid it happening again.

Obi Toppin, the former Knicks player, was traded to the Pacers in 2023 in exchange for two second-round picks. He has now returned to New York for his homecoming as the Pacers stole Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Knicks.

The Knicks made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, and Mayor Eric Adams paid homage to the 15 players in orange-and-blue uniform by naming New York City cross street after each member on this year’s rolling Knicks roster.

Yes, the Knicks were injured. Sure, they were incredibly shorthanded. But, to Jalen Brunson, that didn’t lessen the disappointment of their Eastern Conference semifinal loss last year to the Pacers. “I mean,

The Knicks held a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and a nine-point edge in the final minute, yet the Pacers were able to come back and force overtime -- and eventually win the game -- through an incredible sequence of events,

Before their Game 5 loss in Boston, people around the Knicks noticed their lack of intensity. A meeting before Game 6 shifted their focus.

The stars are out at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks' first Eastern Conference final home game since 2000.