New York Knicks Storm Back From 20 Down to Beat Pacers 106-100 in Eastern Conference Finals Game 3

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.