Knicks Stun Pacers with 20-Point Comeback Win to Claw their Way Back into Eastern Conference Finals
The New York Knicks have sent a clear message to their NBA rivals: a 20-point lead is no guarantee of victory against Tom Thibodeau’s team. Trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks produced a remarkable comeback in Game 3 on Sunday in Indianapolis, storming back from a 20-point deficit to secure a 106-100 victory.
According to The Daily Mail, this was the second time the Knicks have overcome a 20-point hole on the road in a crucial playoff matchup, a feat they also achieved in Games 1 and 2 of their second-round upset against the Boston Celtics. As The Daily Mail reports, the Knicks’ never-say-die attitude was evident in their previous series against the Celtics, and they have once again demonstrated this resilience in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks’ victory was largely thanks to the efforts of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combined for 47 points. Towns was particularly impressive, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter and grabbing 15 rebounds. As The Daily Mail notes, Towns’ performance was crucial in the Knicks’ comeback, with the center saying: "It’s a true test when you’re down 20-plus. Tonight was the kind of night where you had to have that never-say-die attitude." Towns added: "They put me in great spots to succeed, and I just wanted to capitalize on the opportunity. All of us are just trying to do whatever it takes to win, get ourselves back in the game. We wanted to put ourselves in a position to where at the end of the game we found ourselves with a chance of winning."
As reported by The Daily Mail, the Pacers struggled with their three-point shooting, making just 5 of 25 attempts. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been instrumental in Indiana’s Game 1 win, was just 2 of 8 from beyond the arc, finishing with a team-high 20 points. In contrast, the Knicks hit 11 of 32 from deep, including 4 of 6 attempts by OG Anunoby.
The Knicks appeared to be out of the game in the first half, with TJ McConnell scoring 10 points for Indiana to give them a 58-45 lead at halftime. The Pacers had a 13-0 run in the second quarter, which seemed to put them on course for a 3-0 series lead. However, as The Daily Mail reports, the Knicks showed their determination and resilience to mount a stunning comeback in the second half, outscoring the Pacers 61-42.
The win sets up an intriguing Game 4 on Tuesday in Indianapolis, with the series now tied at 2-1. As The Daily Mail notes, the Knicks will be looking to even the series and take control of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Daily Mail reported that New York can even the series on Tuesday in Indianapolis, with Game 4 scheduled to tip-off just after 8pm.
The Knicks’ victory has sent shockwaves through the NBA playoffs, and it remains to be seen how the Pacers will respond in Game 4. One thing is certain, however: the Knicks are a force to be reckoned with, and they will not give up without a fight.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Karl-Anthony Towns’ impressive performance was backed up by Jalen Brunson’s 23 points, and the Knicks’ supporting cast also played a crucial role in their comeback win. The Knicks’ ability to adapt and respond to adversity has been a hallmark of their season, and they will look to build on this momentum in Game 4.
The Eastern Conference Finals have promised to be an exciting and unpredictable series, and The Daily Mail has provided comprehensive coverage of the action. With the series now tied at 2-1, fans can expect an intense and thrilling Game 4 on Tuesday.
