Knicks Make History: Third 20-Point Comeback in Playoffs Defeats Pacers

Karl-Anthony Towns turned up the heat in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his 24 points, while Jalen Brunson chipped in with 23 as the New York Knicks clawed back from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. This win narrowed the series to 2-1 in favor of the Pacers.

Despite facing foul trouble, Towns also grabbed 15 rebounds. “We’re built on great team chemistry,” said Brunson, who spent crucial moments on the bench but remained confident in his teammates.

On the Pacers’ front, Tyrese Haliburton led with 20 points and six assists, while Myles Turner added 19. Indiana, however, suffered their first defeat on the same day as the Indianapolis 500, a quirky statistic as they are now 0-4 on such occasions. Fans donned “Vroom Baby” shirts to celebrate the combined event, coinciding with Alex Palou winning the Indy 500, who received a hearty cheer during the game.

Despite a solid start and leading 68-52 early in the third quarter, the Pacers couldn’t seal the deal. The Knicks gained momentum, narrowing their deficit to 80-70 by the end of the third. It all came down to the final minutes, with Brunson giving New York an 89-88 lead with just over seven minutes left.

Towns expressed his determination: “When I got the chance in the fourth, I made sure to seize the opportunity.”

This remarkable comeback means the Knicks have achieved an NBA first: three 20-point comebacks in a single postseason. They’ve also rallied from similar deficits against the Boston Celtics earlier.

Historically, comebacks like this highlight the unpredictable nature of the playoffs. The Knicks’ resilience showcases their fighting spirit, something that has resonated with fans and analysts alike. As basketball expert Dr. Lisa Karpinski notes, “The playoffs are where character comes to light, and the Knicks have shown they can thrive under pressure.”

As Game 4 approaches in Indianapolis, all eyes will be on whether New York can keep this momentum going or if the Pacers will adjust and take control once more.



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