Indianapolis, Indiana- In a postseason performance that may go down in New York Knicks history, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a masterclass in clutch scoring, pouring in 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to fuel a stunning 106–100 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. This dominant fourth-quarter surge not only brought the Knicks back from a double-digit deficit but also breathed new life into a series that had begun to slip away.
Heading into Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Knicks faced immense pressure. After dropping the first two games at Madison Square Garden, the team was desperate for a spark, and Towns provided just that. Though relatively quiet through the first three quarters, the All-Star big man erupted when it mattered most. He showcased his full offensive arsenal—knocking down threes, attacking the rim, and burying mid-range jumpers—to seize control of the final period and will his team to victory.
The Pacers, who led by as many as 13 points at halftime, appeared to be in full command. Their balanced scoring and ball movement had the Knicks scrambling defensively. But in the final 12 minutes, everything changed. With Jalen Brunson limited due to foul trouble—finishing with 23 points—Towns took center stage. He opened the fourth with a pair of deep jumpers and didn’t let up, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot as Indiana’s defense failed to adjust.
This game marked a turning point not only for the series but potentially for Towns’ legacy. Often critiqued for his playoff inconsistency in prior seasons with Minnesota, Towns has embraced a new role with the Knicks since his trade earlier in the season. His Game 3 heroics were a declaration that he can lead on the game’s biggest stage. He played with emotion, composure, and a sense of urgency that echoed through every possession.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Towns postgame, stating, “That was as tough and determined a fourth quarter as you’ll ever see. He refused to let us lose.” Towns’ stat line—24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists—tells part of the story, but it was his timing and fearlessness that truly defined his impact. With the Knicks trailing by six entering the fourth, Towns either scored or assisted on 25 of the team’s 33 final-period points.
The win was also a testament to the Knicks’ resilience. Defensively, they locked in late, holding the Pacers to just 17 points in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo brought their usual energy, and Isaiah Hartenstein provided crucial interior defense that helped slow down Indiana’s paint attack.
For the Pacers, the loss was a gut punch. Tyrese Haliburton led them with 21 points and 11 assists, but his effectiveness waned in the final quarter as the Knicks ramped up the pressure. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner contributed, but their inability to contain Towns down the stretch proved costly.
With the series now 2–1 in favor of Indiana, momentum has clearly shifted. The Knicks have reclaimed confidence and silenced a hostile road crowd. Game 4, also in Indianapolis, looms large. If Towns can replicate even a fraction of his Game 3 output, the Knicks could level the series and turn it into a best-of-three battle heading back to Madison Square Garden.
For New York, this was more than just a win—it was a statement. And for Karl-Anthony Towns, it was redemption. In a postseason full of storylines, none may prove more pivotal than Towns’ unforgettable fourth quarter that resurrected the Knicks’ title hopes.
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