The New York Knicks mounted a dramatic comeback in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 on Sunday night. Karl-Anthony Towns powered the Knicks with a dominant fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his 24 points in the final period, while also grabbing 15 rebounds.
Despite early foul trouble for both Towns and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks showed resilience and teamwork to cut the series deficit to 2-1. Brunson added 23 points and made key plays down the stretch, helping New York snatch a crucial win on the road. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Indianapolis.
“We’re built on a great team, great chemistry, great togetherness,” said Brunson, who watched much of the fourth quarter from the bench due to foul trouble. “It’s tough watching from the sidelines, but I have the utmost confidence in my teammates.”
Pacers Falter Despite Strong Start
Indiana was in control early, leading 55-35 late in the second quarter and extending their advantage to 68-52 early in the third. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 20 points and six assists, while Myles Turner contributed 19 points. The team celebrated a rare doubleheader with the Indianapolis 500 by handing out “Vroom Baby” shirts to fans, but the celebration didn’t last.
The Pacers dropped to 0-4 all-time when playing on the same day as the Indy 500, despite a halftime tribute to race winner Alex Palou and an appearance from Pacers legends including Hall of Famer Reggie Miller.
Knicks Make NBA Playoff History
The Knicks closed the third quarter on a strong run, narrowing the gap to 80-70. Towns took over in the fourth, with Brunson scoring the go-ahead basket for an 89-88 lead with just over seven minutes left. The Knicks held on from there, securing the win with clutch free throws in the final seconds.
“When I got the chance … in the fourth I made sure to seize the opportunity,” said Towns. “I just wanted to go out there and give our team the chance to win.”
With the victory, the Knicks became the first team in NBA playoff history to complete three 20-point comeback wins in a single postseason. They previously pulled off similar rallies against the Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals.
What’s Next: Knicks vs. Pacers Game 4
Game 4 between the Knicks and Pacers will take place Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With momentum swinging toward New York, the Pacers will need a strong response to avoid falling into a tied series.
