The New York Knicks refused to die. When all seemed lost, they did the impossible again: coming back from a 20-point deficit, this time at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, to take Game 3 (100-106) and stay alive in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. The unexpected hero was Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter after being heavily criticized in previous games.
Towns goes from villain to hero
The Dominican center was the unexpected protagonist of a night to remember. He went into the final quarter with only 4 points and 6 turnovers, but re-emerged as the savior, scoring 20 in the final 12 minutes to cap the comeback. With the Knicks down 10 at the start of the final quarter (80-70), Towns scored 7 points in two minutes and changed the script of the game.
OH MY GOODNESS KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/UoBuMVBLly
- NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
His performance redeems not only his poor performance in the first two games, but also his reputation as a player of big numbers and little nights. On this occasion, KAT was big when New York needed him most.
Brunson leads despite fouls and McBride shines.
Jalen Brunson, in foul trouble since the second quarter (four before halftime), scored 23 points and led the way despite not shooting well (6/18). His leadership was key in the final stretch, although he had to sit down with five minutes left due to his fifth foul. That's when Miles McBride emerged, who supported the team with 9 points and a serene leadership in the most delicate moments.
CAPTAIN CLUTCH COMING THROUGH FOR THE KNICKS!
📺 ECF Game 3 on TNT pic.twitter.com/oQVq2EZUDb
- NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
OG Anunoby (16 points) and Mikal Bridges (15) also shined, contributing on both ends of the court, while Josh Hart was replaced by Mitchell Robinson in the Game 3 starting five.
Knicks, experts in comebacks
This was the third time in these playoffs that the Knicks have come from behind by 20 or more points, repeating the feat they accomplished twice before against the Celtics at TD Garden. Tom Thibodeau's team, as stubborn as it is resilient, showed character, faith and toughness to avoid a 3-0 deficit, a historically insurmountable score in the NBA.
Congrats to the 2025 Indy 500 winner.... Alex Palou!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google on TNT pic.twitter.com/Xg7e5au6Ud
- NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
Haliburton leads but Pacers collapse.
Tyrese Haliburton (20 points) led the way for a Pacers that dominated by 20 points (55-35) before halftime. Pascal Siakam (17 points) and Myles Turner (19) poured in, but Indiana collapsed when the Knicks pressed the hardest. Aaron Nesmith, key on defense in the first two games, was injured in the third quarter and was not the same upon his return.
POSTGAME SCENES AS THE KNICKS GET THE ROAD DUB IN GAME 3 OF THE EAST FINALS 👏 pic.twitter.com/diDliAXbBr
- NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
With no fluid circulation and too much responsibility for Haliburton, Rick Carlisle' s team lost its offensive essence to a more physical and intense New York defense.
Renewed confidence and a united locker room
"This boosts our confidence and morale," said an emotional Towns after the game. " This team is special, this locker room is special," he added. Brunson, for his part, responded with character to TNT analysts who doubted the Knicks: "With all due respect, we trust our people.