Following the end of his season with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Draymond Green shifted focus to the ongoing playoff series involving the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, the forward provided an in-depth analysis of the defensive tactics used by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle to contain Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Green’s analysis of Jalen Brunson traps highlights a strategic adjustment that has significantly impacted the guard’s late-game performance.
Green, widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most elite defenders, has been Defensive Player of the Year and a consistent all-defensive team member. Despite this, he argues that his defensive insights are often overlooked. Leveraging his familiarity with Carlisle—who previously coached against Green’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks—he offered a detailed perspective on the current series adjustments.
How Fourth-Quarter Traps Have Disrupted Brunson’s Rhythm
Rick Carlisle’s decision to implement aggressive fourth-quarter traps on Jalen Brunson has shifted the tenor of the playoff matchup. Green explained the significance of this tactic, which Brunson had rarely faced during the regular season. The trap strategy involves double-teaming the ball handler during pick-and-roll situations, thereby forcing hurried decisions or mistakes while defenders scramble to cover other offensive options.
Green remarked on the unusual nature of this approach for Brunson, who has been especially dominant late in games throughout the season. He stated,
“Brunson, obviously the Clutch Player of the Year … teams all year have had to watch Jalen Brunson dominate the fourth quarter, and I thought Rick Carlisle did one good thing, and it was alarming to me. In the fourth quarter and overtime, he started trapping Jalen Brunson, and I don’t think he’s seen traps all year.”
—Draymond Green, Forward and Analyst
The trap defense echoes strategies used by opponents against Green’s Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry, another player known for taking control in clutch moments. Like Brunson, Curry’s late-game dominance has been hindered by similar trapping tactics.
Impact on the Series and Knicks’ Urgent Need for Adjustments
So far, the Pacers have capitalized on their defensive innovations, holding a 2-0 series lead. Green highlighted that this was a deliberate tactical shift after the Pacers identified flaws in their previous game plan.
“Unfortunately for the Knicks, the Pacers get to make all the adjustments that they know lost them the game, but they won the game. So I think Rick Carlisle is like, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna start blitzing them next game,’”
Green explained.
Draymond also noted how the traps have visibly affected Brunson’s composure during crunch time. The guard has struggled to maintain his usual effectiveness, sometimes forcing errors or losing control of the ball under pressure. Green observed,
“Every time the blitz came, he put his head down … he went down … he threw some of the passes [away], he jumped out of bounds … every fourth quarter, I’m trapping him because OG Anunoby, none of those guys have been in these positions much to take over a game down the stretch.”
—Draymond Green, Forward and Analyst
What Lies Ahead for the Knicks and the Pacers
The Knicks now face a challenging uphill battle, having lost their first two home games and heading to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. They must adjust quickly if they hope to avoid falling into a deeper deficit. Meanwhile, the Pacers hold a significant advantage, capable of taking a strong series lead even if they split their upcoming home games.
Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. EST, where the Knicks’ ability to counter Carlisle’s defensive traps and Brunson’s response to pressure will be crucial. The changes Green outlined are critical to watch, as they could determine whether the Knicks can reclaim control or the Pacers extend their playoff dominance.