The New York Knicks have made a habit of defying the odds this postseason, and Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers was no exception. Down 20 points late in the second quarter, the Knicks stormed back to secure a 106-100 victory, marking their third 20-point comeback of the playoffs—the most by any team since 1998.
The Knicks entered Game 3 trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, knowing a loss would put them on the brink of elimination. But early on, it looked like their season was slipping away. Indiana dominated the first half, building a 55-35 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the second quarter. The Pacers were firing on all cylinders, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge and their defense stifling New York’s offense.
Just when it seemed like the Knicks were finished, Karl-Anthony Towns flipped the script. The All-Star big man erupted for 20 points in the fourth quarter, single-handedly dragging New York back into the game. His scoring barrage included clutch three-pointers, aggressive drives to the basket, and a relentless presence on the boards.
Towns finished the night with 24 points and 15 rebounds, proving to be the difference-maker in the Knicks’ stunning turnaround.
While Towns dominated the fourth quarter, Jalen Brunson provided the finishing touches. The Knicks’ star guard, known for his clutch play, added 23 points, including two crucial free throws in the final seconds to seal the win. His ability to control the tempo and make big plays under pressure was instrumental in New York’s comeback.
Indiana, which had been 7-0 in clutch-time games this postseason, finally faltered when it mattered most. The Pacers struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, shooting just 5-of-19 from the field and 1-of-8 from three-point range. Their once-commanding lead evaporated as Towns and Brunson took over.
With the win, the Knicks cut Indiana’s series lead to 2-1, keeping their championship hopes alive. The victory not only shifts momentum but also reinforces New York’s reputation as the comeback kings of the playoffs.
Game 4 will be pivotal. If the Knicks can ride the energy of their Game 3 win, they could even the series and put the pressure back on Indiana. But the Pacers, led by Haliburton, will be desperate to respond.
