The New York Knicks are still in the playoff hunt after a thrilling comeback victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. The game took place on May 25 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Knicks managed to rally from a 20-point deficit, marking their third comeback of this postseason.
In a game that looked grim for the Knicks in the second quarter, Karl-Anthony Towns sparked the team with a stunning performance in the fourth quarter. He scored 20 of his total 24 points in that final period. Jalen Brunson, who had been sidelined for much of the second half due to foul trouble, delivered the decisive shot—a floater in the lane with 1:17 remaining that broke a tie and helped secure a 106-100 win.
The Knicks had a rough start, trailing by 13 points at halftime and showing signs of struggle on both ends of the court. However, they turned things around in the second half, particularly in their defensive play. Brunson added 23 points to the effort, while OG Anunoby contributed 16 points.
Brunson and teammate Josh Hart were clutch at the free-throw line, sinking six crucial shots in the final 19.6 seconds, which helped narrow the series deficit to 2-1. Coach Tom Thibodeau made a change to the starting lineup, bringing in Mitchell Robinson, but it was the team’s renewed defensive intensity and Towns’ scoring that made the difference.
The Pacers, despite their early lead, struggled offensively, shooting just 5-of-25 from three-point range and being outscored 36-20 in the final quarter. Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 20 points, but the team could not maintain their momentum after the Knicks’ strong finish.
Game 4 is set for Tuesday night, and the Knicks will look to continue their momentum from this hard-fought victory. The win not only gives them hope in the series but also highlights their resilience in facing adversity during the playoffs.