- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 28 May, 2025
Knicks Flip the Script With Jaw-Dropping Comeback
Just when it looked like the Indiana Pacers might run away with a commanding series lead, the New York Knicks yanked the rug out. Down by 20 points in the first half in hostile territory on May 25, the Knicks found another gear after the break, clawing their way to a thrilling 106-100 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. That win trims their deficit to 2-1 and flips the mood ahead of what promises to be a nail-biter in Game 4.
The opening quarter felt like déjà vu for Knicks fans—nothing would fall, and Indiana caught fire, riding Tyrese Haliburton's hot hand. Haliburton wasted no time controlling the tempo, dishing, slashing, and draining tricky jumpers. By midway through the second quarter, Indiana stretched their lead to 20, and bankers in the stands had already started thinking about a sweep. But basketball is a game of runs, and the second half—well, that belonged to New York.
Karl-Anthony Towns took over, putting together one of those performances that cements reputations. He banged inside, nailed outside shots, and even clogged things up on defense. His timely buckets kept the Knicks afloat when they needed oxygen, and he got plenty of help from the supporting cast. Jalen Brunson found his rhythm, slithering through defenders for key layups and free throws. On the defensive end, OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo hounded Haliburton and the Pacers, forcing tough shots and causing turnovers.
Key Moments and What’s at Stake Heading Into Game 4
Momentum seemed to shift on a dime late in the third quarter. The Knicks sliced the gap to single digits, then used a blistering 14-2 run to take their first lead early in the fourth. Indiana looked rattled as once-deafening fans fell silent. Even so, Haliburton kept the Pacers in shouting distance with fearless drives and clutch threes, finishing the night with another impressive stat line.
Numbers tell the tale: New York outscored Indiana 54-38 after halftime. While the Pacers controlled the glass early, the Knicks muscled up as the night wore on, winning rebound battles and snagging key offensive boards. Every possession down the stretch felt like a tug-of-war, with lead changes and bodies hitting the floor. But Towns' 30-point effort, backed by Brunson’s late-game heroics and the Knicks' gritty defense, swung it their way.
- New York Knicks: Another gritty comeback win fueled by Towns’ versatility and a relentless team effort.
- Indiana Pacers: Haliburton’s 28 points not enough, as supporting cast faded down the stretch.
- The Series: Knicks cut the deficit to 2-1, seizing a shot at leveling things in a pivotal Game 4.
With both teams battered and momentum hanging in the balance, Game 4 just got a whole lot bigger. Can the Pacers respond at home, or will the Knicks ride their wave into a tied series? Madison Square Garden and Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be watching every second.
Julius Brodkorb
May 28, 2025 AT 19:39Man, the Knicks really turned that game around. Down 20 early and they still found the juice to rally. Towns was a beast in the paint, and Brunson just kept hitting his spots. The defense stepped up big time too, forcing a lot of turnovers. This win definitely shifts the momentum heading into Game 4.
Juliana Kamya
May 28, 2025 AT 21:02What a seismic swing in the Eastern Conference Finals!
From a 20‑point abyss to a clutch finish, the Knicks displayed a textbook case of in‑game adaptation.
Haliburton’s early hustle was impressive, but the Pacers’ defensive rotations unraveled as the second half progressed.
The strategic deployment of Towns as a stretch‑four forced Indiana to stretch their perimeter, opening lanes for Brunson.
Meanwhile, OG Anunoby’s perimeter pressure created a cascade of forced errors that the Knicks capitalized on.
Rebounding margins flipped dramatically, with New York out‑rebounding Indiana 42‑35 after halftime.
This statistical reversal underscores the importance of second‑half adjustments in playoff basketball.
Additionally, the Knicks’ bench contributed crucial minutes, injecting energy that the Pacers couldn’t match.
From a coaching perspective, Tom Thibodeau’s timeout at the end of the third quarter was the catalyst for the 14‑2 run.
It’s a classic example of leveraging timeout momentum to reset team focus.
The crowd at Madison Square Garden fed off that energy, turning the arena into a roaring cauldron.
All these factors combined to produce a comeback that will be dissected in highlight reels for weeks.
One could argue that the Pacers’ lack of depth became evident as the game wore on.
Nevertheless, Haliburton kept the fight alive with his late‑game heroics, showing why he’s an All‑Star caliber guard.
In sum, the Knicks have re‑established themselves as a resilient contender, and Game 4 now feels like a true toss‑up.
Erica Hemhauser
May 28, 2025 AT 22:26The Knicks’ comeback was expected; the Pacers simply lacked the depth to finish the job. Their second‑half performance was flat and forgettable.
Hailey Wengle
May 28, 2025 AT 23:49Can you believe those Pacers thought they could steamroll the Knicks???!! The so‑called "elite" team folded like a house of cards!!! The NBA is clearly a rigged circus and the Knicks got a free pass!! This is why we need to start questioning the league's narrative!!!
Maxine Gaa
May 29, 2025 AT 01:12From a philosophical angle, this game illustrates the dialectic of adversity and triumph. The Knicks confronted a crisis and emerged transformed. It reminds us that the narrative of sport often mirrors the human condition. The oscillation between despair and hope is what makes these contests compelling.
Katie Osborne
May 29, 2025 AT 02:36It is noteworthy how the Knicks executed their second‑half strategy with precision. The alterations in defensive assignments were particularly astute. Such adjustments underscore the importance of coaching acumen.
Kelvin Miller
May 29, 2025 AT 03:59The comeback was well‑orchestrated and the ball movement was crisp. I appreciate the clean spacing and the effective screens. Good job to both the players and the coaching staff.
Sheri Engstrom
May 29, 2025 AT 05:22The drama of this game was absolutely intoxicating. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the narrative arc resembled a Shakespearean tragedy that turned into a triumphant comedy. Towns’ performance was a masterclass in versatility, seamlessly transitioning from post play to perimeter shooting. Brunson’s composure in clutch moments reminded me of the poise of a seasoned veteran, despite his relative youth. The Pacers, on the other hand, seemed to crumble under the weight of their own expectations, making fatal errors that the Knicks capitalized on. In the end, the collective effort of the Knicks’ bench proved to be the invisible hand that tipped the scales.
Prudhvi Raj
May 29, 2025 AT 06:46Great comeback you all. Very exciting end game
jessica zulick
May 29, 2025 AT 08:09The energy in that arena was palpable, each basket felt like a wave crashing against a rocky shore. I could almost hear the collective gasp as the Knicks erased that 20‑point deficit. Every defensive stop was a thunderclap that echoed through the stands. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love the game.
Partho A.
May 29, 2025 AT 09:32The strategic adjustments made after halftime were clearly effective. The Knicks seemed more disciplined on both ends. This win could be a turning point for the series.
Jason Brown
May 29, 2025 AT 10:56One must commend the Knicks for their disciplined execution of set plays. The precision of their passes bordered on the lyrical. Moreover, the defensive rotations were nothing short of exemplary. In the grand tapestry of this series, this game stands out as a pivotal chapter.
Heena Shafique
May 29, 2025 AT 12:19It is with a measured degree of sarcasm that I observe the Pacers’ inability to sustain momentum. Their second‑half performance was, to put it mildly, suboptimal. One might argue that the Knicks merely capitalized on an avoidable lapse. Nonetheless, the result is indisputable.
Patrick Guyver
May 29, 2025 AT 13:42yo knicks pulled a legit comeback lol. pacers looked like they were sleepin. gotta love that underdog vibe.
Jill Jaxx
May 29, 2025 AT 15:06What a game!
Jaden Jadoo
May 29, 2025 AT 16:29This comeback feels like destiny in fast forward. The Knicks showed up and owned it.
Traci Walther
May 29, 2025 AT 17:52Wow!!! This game was absolutely electrifying!!! 🎉 The Knicks’ resilience was on full display!!! ⚡️
Ricardo Smalley
May 29, 2025 AT 19:16Oh, the sweet irony of a 20‑point lead evaporating like morning fog. The Knicks turned what could've been a textbook loss into a masterclass of perseverance. Meanwhile, the Pacers acted as if they were stuck in a time warp, unable to adjust. One can almost hear the sighs of disbelief echoing through the arena. In the end, this game will probably be cited as a cautionary tale about complacency.
Sarah Lunn
May 29, 2025 AT 20:39The Knicks’ comeback was absolutely ridiculous. Their defense was a nightmare for the Pacers. Honestly, the Pacers didn’t stand a chance.
Gary Henderson
May 29, 2025 AT 22:02Madness in the fourth quarter, the Knicks just crushed it. Love the vibe, everybody.