After the Indiana Pacers' victory in Game 1, it was easy to overlook the New York Knicks and their remarkable journey to the Eastern Conference finals, characterized by thrilling comebacks. However, the Knicks reminded everyone of their resilience on Sunday, breathing new life into their season. Trailing by as many as 20 points in Game 3, the Knicks rallied in the second half to secure a 106-100 win, effectively avoiding a daunting 3-0 deficit in the series. Following this pivotal victory, the series now stands at 2-1, with Game 4 set to take place on Tuesday at Indiana at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasted live on TNT.
To achieve this crucial win, the Knicks witnessed one of the most exceptional performances of Karl-Anthony Towns' career. Entering the fourth quarter with a mere four points, Towns ignited the game by scoring 20 points in the final 12 minutes, astonishing the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This remarkable feat marked the highest point total scored by a Knicks player in the fourth quarter during the playoffs since the play-by-play era began in 1997. New York desperately needed this offensive output from Towns, especially as Jalen Brunson faced foul trouble throughout the second half.
This comeback victory was not only significant for the Knicks but also marked their third 20-point comeback in this year's playoffs—setting a record for the league with a total of six such comebacks overall. The Knicks previously achieved similar comebacks in Games 1 and 2 of their last round against the Boston Celtics, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity in high-stakes situations.
As the Knicks prepared for Game 3, they made a crucial decision to revamp their struggling starting lineup, which had been underperforming in previous games. The adjustments included the introduction of big man Mitchell Robinson into the starting five, while big guard Josh Hart transitioned to the bench. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, who had relied heavily on the previous lineup of Brunson, Towns, Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, finally opted for a two-big approach to kick off Game 3. This strategic shift proved to be beneficial, yielding positive results for the team.
Despite coming off the bench, Hart's impact on the game remained significant, as he played an impressive 34 minutes. His physicality on the court was a highlight for Knicks fans, particularly during a critical rebound in the final minute that shifted the momentum of the game. With the Knicks leading 100-98, Hart made a spectacular play, flying in from across the court to secure a missed three-pointer from Myles Turner. This vital rebound not only prevented the Pacers from potentially tying the game but also led to Hart drawing a foul and converting two free throws, extending the Knicks' lead to four points with just 20 seconds remaining.
While the Knicks celebrated their victory, the Pacers could take solace in their historical performance during the postseason. They have previously found themselves in similar situations, boasting a record of 6-0 in Games 1 and 2, yet struggling with a 0-3 record in Game 3s. However, they have shown resilience, going 4-0 in Games 4 and 5. The Pacers will aim to replicate this trend in the upcoming Game 4 on Tuesday.
As the series heats up, both teams are poised for an exciting matchup that could further define their playoff journeys. Knicks fans will be eager to see if their team can continue this momentum, while the Pacers will look to regroup and reclaim their standing in the series.
