The Eastern Conference Finals are underway with the New York Knicks, seeded third, securing a crucial Game 3 win over the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers, gaining a 2-1 lead in the series. The Knicks are striving to make it to the finals for the first time since 1999, having already knocked out the 6th seed Detroit Pistons and the 2nd seed Boston Celtics in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Pacers are aiming for their first finals appearance since 2000 when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In Game 3, the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to win 106-100. Karl-Anthony Towns shone in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points with impressive shooting and rebounds, while Josh Hart also played a vital role, contributing in rebounds, assists, steals, and free throws. The Knicks demonstrated their resilience and ability to mount comebacks, despite foul troubles affecting Jaren Brunson’s playing time in the final minutes.
For the Pacers, their shooting cooled off in the second half, making just 36.8% of shots and 16.7% from beyond the arc. Although the score was tied late in the game, the Knicks managed to pull ahead in clutch moments. The Pacers have struggled in Game 3s this postseason, losing all three, but have remained undefeated in Games 4 and 5. Tyrese Halliburton, who had been pivotal in earlier games, took only four shots in the fourth quarter, missing the aggression needed in crunch time. Myles Turner, who scored 19 points, was scoreless in the final 12 minutes.
Looking ahead to Game 4, the Knicks need to capitalize on their momentum and have their key players fully engaged in the final quarter, replicating their physicality and sharp shooting from the latter half of Game 3. The Pacers need Halliburton to be more assertive in the fourth quarter and to maintain a high level of intensity for the entire game, aware of the Knicks’ tendency to stage dramatic comebacks.
Melissa Rohlin, a Fox Sports NBA writer with experience covering the league for Sports Illustrated, Los Angeles Times, Bay Area News Group, and San Antonio Express-News, reports this update. Follow her on Twitter @Melissarohlin.
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Fan Take: This playoff series highlights the thrill of resilience and strategic play, reminding fans why postseason basketball is so captivating. The Knicks’ comeback spirit and the Pacers’ fight to stay alive make this an electrifying series that could redefine both teams’ futures in the league.
