The New York Knicks delivered a historic performance on Sunday night, rallying from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the victory, the Knicks became the first team in NBA history to record three 20-point comeback wins in a single postseason. They previously overcame similar deficits against the Boston Celtics during the conference semifinals.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge, scoring 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and adding 15 rebounds. Despite spending much of the game in foul trouble alongside teammate Jalen Brunson, Towns rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Brunson contributed 23 points, including the go-ahead basket with just over seven minutes left in the game. The Knicks never trailed again after that moment.
Indiana had looked poised to take a commanding 3-0 series lead after building a 55-35 advantage late in the first half. Energized by the crowd, which included a standing ovation for Indy 500 champion Alex Palou, the Pacers appeared in full control. However, the Knicks gradually chipped away at the lead, narrowing the gap to 80-70 by the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter belonged to New York. With Towns attacking the paint and Brunson orchestrating the offense, the Knicks clawed their way back. Their resilience was on full display as they battled through adversity, including foul trouble and the hostile road environment in Indianapolis.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 20 points and six assists, while Myles Turner added 19 points. Despite their strong start and early dominance, Indiana struggled to close out the game. The Pacers are now 0-4 all-time when playing on the same day as the Indianapolis 500, a scheduling quirk that again brought disappointment to local fans.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Indianapolis, where both teams will look to gain momentum in what has become a fiercely competitive series. The Knicks’ victory not only shifts the tone of the series but also underscores the team’s identity as resilient and tightly bonded. Their success is grounded in teamwork, belief, and the ability to rise in high-pressure moments.
This latest comeback solidifies New York’s postseason narrative as a team that refuses to fold, no matter the deficit. With key players stepping up when it matters most, the Knicks are proving to be a dangerous opponent capable of rewriting history. The Pacers, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to avoid letting this pivotal series slip away.
