Pacers’ Struggles Continue as Knicks Rally to Take Game 3 in Intense Eastern Conference Finals Clash
INDIANAPOLIS – In a weekend packed with speed and excitement, it was somewhat ironic that the Indiana Pacers seemed to lose momentum, faltering just short of their goal during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Despite being one of the most offensively potent teams remaining in the postseason, the Pacers found themselves stuck in a scoring drought that ultimately cost them the game.
The Pacers entered the contest averaging an impressive 118.9 points per 100 possessions through their first 13 playoff games. However, in this crucial matchup, they managed just 100 points, marking a postseason low and highlighting the difficulties they faced against a Knicks team desperate to turn their season around.
Scoring Threshold Defines Pacers’ Playoff Success
The season's narrative is clear-cut: the Pacers have gone undefeated (10-0) in games where they score 114 points or more against formidable opponents like the Bucks, Cavaliers, or Knicks. Conversely, their performance plummets when they fail to reach this threshold, with a 0-3 record in those contests. This sharp divide underscores the vital importance of their offensive output in determining their playoff fate.
On Sunday, despite the electric atmosphere fueled by the presence of Indianapolis 500 champion Alex Palou, the Pacers’ shooting woes were glaring. The team missed 20 of their 25 attempts from beyond the arc, recording the lowest three-point shooting numbers—fewest makes, attempts, and worst percentage—in the postseason so far. Before this game, they had been averaging 14 made threes per game, making their cold night from long range even more detrimental.
Knicks’ Resilience: A Team Fighting for Survival
It would be unfair to attribute the Pacers’ struggles solely to their own mistakes, as the Knicks displayed tremendous grit and determination to extend their season. Facing elimination after losing the first two games at Madison Square Garden, New York confronted harsh criticism and looming off-season changes if they failed to mount a comeback.
Despite falling behind by 20 points in the second quarter, with key player Jalen Brunson hampered by foul trouble and Karl-Anthony Towns struggling early, the Knicks refused to succumb. Their passionate fans, some of whom secured tickets at the Pacers’ home court, witnessed an inspired effort that pulled the team back into contention. Entering Game 4 trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, the Knicks have reignited hope for a series turnaround.
1. Knicks’ Comebacks Defy the Odds
The Knicks have made a habit of clawing back from dire situations this postseason. Indiana’s impressive overtime victory in Game 1 seemed to energize the Pacers initially, but New York’s resilience has now shifted the momentum. Notably, the Knicks are the only team in NBA history to rally from 20-point deficits three times in a single postseason, having done so in the opening games against Boston in the semifinals.
“This run has been unpredictable,” admitted Brunson. At halftime of Game 3, the Knicks regrouped, vowing not to unravel despite the daunting deficit. “It’s an emotional game. It’s a game,” he said, emphasizing their collective resolve to stay united under pressure.
New York chipped away at the lead before halftime with a 10-3 run, narrowing the gap. The third quarter was slow offensively, but the Knicks surged ahead in the fourth with a 17-5 blitz that ultimately secured their victory. Coach Tom Thibodeau highlighted the precarious nature of leads, warning, “No lead is safe. If you let up just a little bit, that’s what happens.”
2. Karl-Anthony Towns’ Game-Changing Fourth Quarter
Nicknamed KAT, Towns had a quiet first three quarters, scoring only four points and shooting 2-for-8. The Knicks were on the brink of a 3-0 series deficit and potential elimination. However, Towns unleashed a dominant fourth quarter performance, pouring in 20 points—the same amount the Pacers scored during that period.
His efficiency was remarkable: six made shots out of nine attempts, hitting three of four three-pointers, and securing eight rebounds. Towns became an unstoppable force, particularly troubling the Pacers’ defense anchored by Myles Turner and Tony Bradley. While teammates Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges contributed throughout the game, Towns was the undeniable catalyst in the closing moments.
Coach Thibodeau praised the team’s unselfish culture, noting the focus on maintaining momentum when a player finds their rhythm. “When someone gets going, you try to keep him going. It’s recognizing what’s working,” he said.
3. Thibodeau’s Deep Rotation and Tactical Adjustments
Unlike many playoff coaches who shorten rotations, Thibodeau employed an unusually deep bench in Game 3, deploying nine players—a rare strategy in postseason basketball. Delon Wright logged over 13 minutes, and veteran guard Landry Shamet contributed more than 11 minutes, a significant increase from his previous 30 total minutes in the playoffs.
This approach provided fresh legs and defensive versatility, especially crucial given Brunson’s foul troubles and reduced minutes (under 30 minutes compared to nearly 39 in prior games). New York’s defensive effectiveness improved in the second half, as they fielded many of their top defenders, which frustrated the Pacers’ offensive efforts.
Another key adjustment was starting rim protector Mitchell Robinson in place of Josh Hart, a move that paid dividends early with Robinson’s six points and four rebounds in the opening quarter. Such flexibility and depth have contributed to the Knicks’ renewed vigor in this series.
4. Aaron Nesmith’s Injury Dampens Pacers’ Energy
Aaron Nesmith had been a bright spot for the Pacers, particularly in Game 1 with an unexpected scoring burst, draining six threes in the final quarter. Known for his defensive toughness and leadership, Nesmith’s role in containing Jalen Brunson was pivotal.
However, his injury in Game 3—a right ankle sprain after stepping on Brunson’s foot—removed a crucial defensive presence for Indiana. Nesmith exited with the Pacers leading 70-57 but returned late in the fourth quarter to find his team trailing 89-88, having been outscored 32-18 during his absence.
Combined with inconsistent shooting from Andrew Nembhard, foul trouble for Ben Sheppard, and overextended minutes for Tony Bradley, the Pacers’ rotations appeared disorganized. Coach Rick Carlisle’s “haywire” lineup shifts reflected the challenges posed by Nesmith’s injury and the Knicks’ relentless pressure.
5. The Stakes Intensify Ahead of Pivotal Game 4
Nesmith’s ankle injury will dominate discussions over the next two days, potentially impacting Indiana’s lineup moving forward. Additionally, the Pacers’ uncharacteristic three-point struggles and Pascal Siakam’s uneven performance—scoring 17 points but coinciding with a 21-point Knicks advantage when on the floor—highlight areas for improvement.
For New York, winning Game 4 would mean a commanding 3-1 series lead and a chance to capitalize on their home-court advantage in Madison Square Garden, where they hold a 3-5 postseason record. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the Knicks have injected new life into the series, forcing the Pacers to fight to keep their championship dreams alive.
Historically, Indiana has bounced back from adversity, exemplified by their response to losing Game 3 against the top-seeded Cavaliers in the previous round, followed by a dominant 20-point victory in Game 4. However, predicting patterns in a series between two tenacious teams like these remains challenging, as neither shows signs of vulnerability easily exploited.
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