Knicks Stage Another 20-point Comeback to Stun Pacers in Game 3

The New York Knicks delivered a thrilling performance last night, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the victory, the Knicks cut the Pacers’ series lead to 2-1, breathing new life into their postseason campaign.

The game started with the Pacers asserting their fast-paced style, building a commanding 56-40 lead by halftime, fueled by contributions from all 10 players who saw the floor. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner set the tone early, while Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense with his playmaking. The Knicks struggled to keep up, with Jalen Brunson hampered by foul trouble, picking up his fifth foul before the fourth quarter.

However, the tide turned dramatically in the final period, thanks to an explosive performance from Karl-Anthony Towns. After scoring just four points through the first three quarters, Towns erupted for 20 points in the fourth, showcasing his versatility with a mix of post moves, a dunk, a deep three, and a step-back jumper from 30 feet. His 24-point, 15-rebound double-double was the catalyst for New York’s comeback, marking the second-most fourth-quarter points by a Knicks player in the play-by-play era (since 1997).

“They put me in great spots to succeed, and I just wanted to capitalize on the opportunity,” Towns said postgame. “It’s a true test when you’re down 20-plus. Tonight was the kind of night where we had to have that never-say-die attitude.”

Brunson, despite spending much of the game on the bench, contributed 23 points, including a crucial layup with 7:10 remaining that gave New York an 89-88 lead—their first since early in the game. The Knicks never trailed by more than two points after that, sealing the win with clutch free throws from Josh Hart in the final moments.

For the Pacers, Haliburton led with 20 points and six assists, while Turner added 19 points. However, Indiana’s offense faltered in the fourth, managing just 20 points as a team, matching Towns’ individual output. The loss was compounded by an injury scare to Aaron Nesmith, who sprained his right ankle in the third quarter but returned to play through the pain. Coach Rick Carlisle expressed disappointment in the team’s execution down the stretch, stating, “Regardless of who’s out there, we’ve got to attack better and finish the game.”

The Pacers’ bench, typically a strength, was outplayed by New York’s reserves, including Delon Wright and Landry Shamet, who stepped up in a lineup that hadn’t played together all season. Indiana’s inability to maintain their lead, coupled with Nesmith’s injury, shifted momentum to the Knicks, who capitalized on their defensive adjustments, with Mitchell Robinson anchoring the paint after being inserted into the starting lineup.

This victory marks the Knicks’ third comeback from a 20-point deficit this postseason, a testament to their resilience. For the Pacers, it’s a missed opportunity to take a commanding 3-0 lead, especially on a day when Indianapolis was buzzing with the Indianapolis 500. The loss dropped Indiana to 0-4 all-time in games played on the same day as the Indy 500.

Game 4 is set for Tuesday night in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will look to regroup and protect their home court, while the Knicks aim to even the series. With both teams showcasing their ability to stage dramatic comebacks this postseason, fans can expect another intense battle in this storied rivalry.