Indianapolis, Indiana- In a pivotal moment of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks stunned the Indiana Pacers with a 106–100 comeback victory in Game 3 on Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trailing by as many as 20 points, the Knicks orchestrated one of their most resilient performances of the postseason, fueled by a dominant showing from Karl-Anthony Towns and a revitalized defensive effort in the second half. The win cuts Indiana’s series lead to 2–1 and breathes new life into New York’s championship aspirations.
Game 3 began inauspiciously for the Knicks, as the Pacers came out aggressive, capitalizing on New York’s sluggish ball movement and defensive lapses. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam controlled the tempo early, pushing the lead to double digits midway through the second quarter. The Knicks appeared overwhelmed, and their 0–9 playoff record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse loomed large over their chances.
But the narrative shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns erupted for 20 points in the period alone, attacking from the perimeter and the post with equal precision. His explosive offensive burst reignited the Knicks’ bench and silenced a raucous Indiana crowd. Towns finished with a game-high 24 points and added eight rebounds, anchoring the comeback effort.
New York’s turnaround wasn’t fueled by offense alone. Head coach Tom Thibodeau made key adjustments at halftime, including increased pressure on Haliburton and tighter paint coverage against Myles Turner. The Knicks’ swarming defense held the Pacers to just 17 points in the fourth quarter, erasing a double-digit lead and ultimately closing out the game with a 16–5 run in the final minutes.
Supporting Towns’ brilliance was Jalen Brunson, who added 21 points and seven assists despite foul trouble. Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 15 points, hitting a pair of critical three-pointers during the fourth-quarter surge. The Knicks’ bench also played a crucial role, with Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein delivering key defensive stops and hustle plays that swung momentum.
The victory was especially significant considering the Knicks’ playoff history in Indiana. Sunday’s win marked New York’s first postseason triumph at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since the arena opened in 2000, finally breaking a long-standing drought and silencing years of frustration in the Hoosier State. It also reaffirmed the Knicks’ identity as a gritty, never-say-die squad that thrives under adversity—a hallmark of Thibodeau-coached teams.
On the other side, Indiana will lament missed opportunities. Despite a strong start and a loud home crowd, the Pacers allowed New York to dictate pace late in the game. Haliburton finished with 22 points and nine assists but struggled to create shots in the final stretch. Siakam added 18 points but was largely neutralized in the second half. Indiana will need to respond quickly in Game 4 to avoid surrendering home-court advantage.
Game 4 is now set up as a must-win for both teams. For the Knicks, it’s a chance to level the series and seize momentum heading back to Madison Square Garden. For the Pacers, it’s about reclaiming control and preventing a full-blown collapse after what seemed like a commanding series lead.
New York’s resilience in Game 3 sends a clear message: this team isn’t finished yet. As the Eastern Conference Finals intensify, the battle between these evenly matched squads promises more drama and high-stakes moments. If Sunday night’s thriller was any indication, fans should buckle up for a series that could go the distance.
With Towns finding his rhythm and the Knicks rediscovering their defensive identity, the stage is set for a classic showdown in Game 4. One thing is certain—the Knicks have thrown the first punch in Indiana, and the Pacers must now respond.
