Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3 Eastern Conference Finals: Result and Game Summary

Knicks Rally to Defeat Pacers in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals: A Thrilling Comeback

In an electrifying Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 25, 2025. Despite trailing by as many as 20 points, the Knicks, fueled by a dominant fourth-quarter performance from Karl-Anthony Towns and clutch plays by Jalen Brunson, clawed their way back to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Pacers still lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Tuesday night in Indianapolis. Here’s a detailed summary of the game and its key moments.

Game Recap: Knicks Overcome Early Struggles

The Knicks faced a daunting challenge early in the game as the Pacers’ fast-paced offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton, overwhelmed New York’s defense. By halftime, Indiana had built a commanding 58-40 lead, capitalizing on their fastbreak opportunities and exploiting the Knicks’ foul trouble. Jalen Brunson, in particular, struggled with four fouls by the second quarter, forcing him to the bench and disrupting New York’s offensive rhythm. The Pacers’ depth shone through, with all 10 players who saw action contributing points in the first half.

The third quarter saw the Knicks begin to chip away at the deficit, but they still trailed by 10 points entering the final frame. However, the fourth quarter belonged to Karl-Anthony Towns, who erupted for 20 of his game-high 24 points in the period, single-handedly outscoring the entire Pacers team in the frame. Towns was a force on both ends, finishing with 15 rebounds and shooting 8-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-7 from three-point range. His performance marked him as only the fourth player in Knicks history to record 20+ points and 15+ rebounds in a playoff game.

Jalen Brunson, despite battling foul trouble throughout the game, delivered in crunch time. Limited to 30 minutes due to five fouls, Brunson still managed 23 points, including six critical points in the final 77 seconds to seal the victory. His clutch free throws with 8 seconds remaining gave the Knicks a four-point cushion, ensuring the win.

Key Moments and Performances

• Towns’ Fourth-Quarter Heroics: Towns’ 20-point explosion in the fourth quarter was the second-most points scored by a Knicks player in a single playoff fourth quarter since 1998, per ESPN Research. His ability to dominate both offensively and on the boards shifted the momentum decisively in New York’s favor.
• Brunson’s Resilience: Despite foul trouble, Brunson’s 23 points on 6-of-18 shooting and 10-of-10 from the free-throw line were crucial. His ability to stay composed under pressure was a testament to his leadership.
• Pacers’ Struggles Late: Indiana’s bench, typically a strength, faltered in the second half. Key contributors like T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin were ineffective, and Aaron Nesmith, despite returning from an ankle sprain, couldn’t replicate his Game 1 heroics. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 20 points, but his seven points in the fourth weren’t enough to counter Towns’ dominance.
• OG Anunoby’s Impact: Anunoby played a pivotal role as a connector, hitting key three-pointers and assisting on crucial plays in the fourth quarter. His defensive intensity, particularly against Nesmith, was a game-changer.

Series Context and What’s Next

The Knicks’ victory in Game 3 was critical, as no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. With the series now at 2-1, New York has a chance to even things up in Game 4 on May 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. The Pacers, who stole Game 1 with a stunning overtime comeback and dominated Game 2, will look to regroup at home, where they’ve been strong all season. However, the Knicks’ ability to overcome adversity in Game 3, coupled with their road success (5-1 in the playoffs), suggests this series is far from over.

The Knicks-Pacers rivalry, reignited in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs, continues to deliver thrilling moments. With both teams showcasing resilience and star power, Game 4 promises to be another intense battle. Can the Knicks build on their momentum, or will the Pacers’ depth and home crowd push them closer to their first NBA Finals since 2000?

Final Thoughts

Game 3 showcased the Knicks’ heart and determination, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson stepping up when it mattered most. For Knicks fans, this comeback was a reminder of the team’s potential to overcome even the toughest odds. As the series heads to Game 4, the spotlight will be on whether New York can sustain this momentum and whether Indiana can rediscover their early-game magic. Stay tuned for what promises to be an epic continuation of this storied rivalry.

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Sources:

• The Athletic
• ESPN
• IndyStar
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