Knicks Stun Pacers in Game 3, Take Control of Eastern Conference Finals
In a thrilling matchup, the New York Knicks have taken a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3. The Pacers, known for their potent offense, were held to a postseason low, according to NBA.com.
The game saw the Pacers struggle from beyond the arc, making just 5 of their 25 three-point attempts, a significant departure from their average of 14 three-pointers per game. As NBA.com reports, this underperformance was a key factor in their loss. "When the Pacers have scored 114 or more against the Bucks, the Cavaliers or the Knicks, they have gone 10-0. When they fall short, they are 0-3," the website notes.
The Knicks, on the other hand, showed remarkable resilience, overcoming a 20-point deficit in the second quarter to secure the win. Jalen Brunson, who was in foul trouble for much of the game, credited his team’s ability to stay focused and work together for the comeback. "You can quickly start to turn on each other," Brunson said, as quoted by NBA.com. "But we talked together as a team. It’s an emotional game. It’s a game."
Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in the Knicks’ comeback, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter to match the Pacers’ entire output for the period. As NBA.com reports, Towns’ performance was crucial in securing the win for the Knicks. "The mantra of the team [is] unselfish guys," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said, as quoted by NBA.com. "When someone gets going, you try to keep him going. It’s recognizing what’s working."
The Knicks’ win was also aided by the contributions of their bench players, including Landry Shamet, who scored a plus-12 rating in his 11 minutes of play. According to NBA.com, this was a significant factor in the Knicks’ victory. "I know you guys roll your eyes when we say no lead is safe," Thibodeau said, as quoted by NBA.com. "But no lead is safe. If you let up just a little bit, that’s what happens."
The Pacers, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in Game 4, which is set to take place on Tuesday. The team will be without Aaron Nesmith, who suffered an ankle injury in Game 3. As NBA.com reports, Nesmith’s absence will be a significant blow to the Pacers’ defense.
In conclusion, the Knicks’ win in Game 3 has set up a crucial Game 4, with the series now 2-1 in their favor. As NBA.com notes, the Knicks will look to take control of the series, while the Pacers will aim to even the score.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery. Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
