With the Indiana Pacers leading by 16 points in the third quarter of Sunday night’s meeting with the New York Knicks, it looked as though Tyrese Haliburton and company were on their way to a 3-0 series lead in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals.
But New York simply refused to lose, mounting a comeback attempt that ultimately resulted in a 106-100 Knicks victory in Game 3 of the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Following the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle lamented what transpired late in the third quarter and early in the final period, during which the Knicks made significant headway that gave New York the momentum to finish the comeback.
"Poor job of closing the third quarter and not a good enough start of the fourth quarter,” Carlisle said, per Tony East of Forbes Sports. “Turned it into a real back and forth game... and we did not execute enough."
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shouts during the second quarter against the Knicks.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shouts during the second quarter against the Knicks.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, fans had a lot to get off their chests about the way Carlisle handled the game, particularly Indiana’s rotation.
"Maybe if you don’t have Ben Sheperd and Tony Bradley and go with the obi pascal lineup. Despicable coaching," said a fan on X.
Another one said: "He should’ve played Obi down the stretch more.”
From a commenter: "Maybe that poor job could be attributed to playing 4 bench players!!!”
“Poor coaching the entire 3rd, not attacking Brunson or Towns even once. No push or pace. No killer instinct. Rotations were a mess.,” a triggered social media user posted.
Via a different commenter: “Didn't coach for the kill.”
Said another: “Rotation for this game sucks.. Mathurin is also disappointing.”
From the final five minutes of the third quarter to the first four minutes of the fourth period, the Knicks outscored Indiana by 15 points, 28-13. Ben Sheppard and Tony Bradley played nearly seven and four minutes, respectively, during that span, while TJ McConnell saw over six minutes of action on the floor. During that same span, Shepard posted a minus-13 while McConnell was a minus-12.
The good news for the Pacers is that they still lead the series by a game, 2-1. As much as the result of Game 3 was a tough one to swallow for Indiana, it still equated to just a single loss.
The Pacers can get back to their winning ways and push New York to the brink of elimination in Game 4 this coming Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before traveling back to the Big Apple for Game 5.