Knicks Rally to Stun Pacers in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals

INDIANAPOLIS – The New York Knicks turned a 20-point deficit into a stunning victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, giving them hope in the pivotal best-of-seven series. This comeback is a testament to their resilience and strategic adjustments.

Trailing 70-57 late in the third quarter, the Knicks showed their fighting spirit. Karl-Anthony Towns, who had struggled through the first three quarters, erupted for 20 points in the fourth, matching Indiana’s entire offensive output in that period. Knicks star Jalen Brunson also played a key role despite early foul trouble, contributing vital assists and clutch plays.

The Pacers, who had been prolific in their scoring during the postseason, faced an unexpected offensive drought. Shooting just 20% from three-point range, they missed 20 of 25 attempts, marking their most ineffective performance from the arc this playoff season. “It was just one of those nights,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, lamenting the lack of scoring consistency.

Despite the disappointing shooting performance, the Pacers initially held an advantage thanks to their fast-paced offense and relentless energy. However, as the game progressed, Indiana struggled to maintain their early lead. The Knicks took advantage of this, slowly chipping away at the deficit.

“No lead is safe,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “We knew if we stayed in the fight, we could make our run.” The team’s collective defense tightened, making it harder for the Pacers to find open shots.

The atmosphere in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric as fans witnessed the remarkable turnaround. New York fans who managed to secure tickets cheered as their team made a remarkable reversal, raising hopes of leveling the series.

As the superb fourth quarter concluded, the Knicks led 100-95, a bold statement after being down by so much. Moving forward, both teams will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for Game 4 on Tuesday.

The Knicks will aim to build on this momentum, while the Pacers will look to reclaim their offensive rhythm and bounce back at home. “We’ll learn from this,” Carlisle said. “It’s a long series yet.”