Knicks Rally in Fourth Quarter to Secure Game 3 Victory Over Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS — Karl-Anthony Towns found himself in a challenging situation during the New York Knicks’ Game 2 loss against the Indiana Pacers. After a disappointing performance, which included missed shots and defensive mistakes, Towns had his eyes set on redeeming himself in Game 3.
As the third game progressed, Towns struggled initially, missing six of his first eight shots, adding to the Knicks’ woes. Alongside teammates Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, who collectively hit just 10 of 30 shots, the Knicks fell behind, trailing by 10 points heading into the final quarter. The team clearly needed a spark.
Yet, as Towns himself remarked, the fourth quarter felt different—almost like a new game. With 12 minutes remaining, he seized the opportunity to turn things around. Towns exploded for 20 points in that quarter alone, helping the Knicks mount an incredible comeback from a 20-point deficit to win the game 106-100.
His transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The fans in Indiana, who had anticipated a sweep for their team, soon found themselves watching in disbelief as the Knicks surged back, with Towns leading the charge. "When KAT is in that zone, it’s tough to stop him," noted Mikal Bridges. "He gave us everything we needed in that fourth quarter."
The turning point came early in the fourth after a missed layup by Knicks guard Miles McBride. Josh Hart swooped in to grab the offensive rebound and passed it to Towns, who hit a three-pointer that seemed to instantly elevate both his spirit and that of the team. "You have to let the earlier parts of the game go," Towns said. "It was all about finding a chance to win."
With newfound confidence, Towns not only connected on key shots but showcased his skills in various ways. He made a powerful drive against the Pacers’ center Myles Turner, smoothly executing a drop step to finish at the rim. "I just saw an opportunity," he explained. "All those hours in the gym were coming to life."
Towns’ intensity breathed new life into a Knicks team that looked down and out early in the game. As they battled back from a 20-point deficit, the Knicks displayed resilience reminiscent of their previous series against the Boston Celtics. Despite moments of struggle, they often transformed deficits into a rallying point.
"Yeah, I don’t love being down by 20," Hart joked after the game. "But it seems to get us going." The Knicks might have discovered a strange pattern: falling behind often sparks their best performances.
As the game progressed, Towns continued to dominate, swiftly accumulating points and even outscoring the Pacers 20-12 in just the first eight minutes of the quarter. His versatility was crucial; he finished plays near the basket but also hit shots from distance, making him a versatile threat on the court.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Towns’ talents, emphasizing his capability to score from various positions. "When he’s aggressive, it’s a huge plus for us," Thibodeau pointed out.
The fourth quarter saw the Knicks’ defense sharpen as well. After a lackluster start, they held the Pacers to just 42 points in the second half. Their collective effort on the defensive end made a significant difference, effectively disrupting Indiana’s flow and limiting their production.
"You have to come out with that intensity," Hart said, highlighting the significance of their late-game defensive efforts. The players communicated well and recognized mismatches, with each member putting in the effort to help steer the game in their favor.
As the finale approached, with the Knicks fighting to maintain their lead, it was Brunson’s moment to shine once again. Tied at 98, he nailed a crucial shot to put New York ahead for good. “Did you really expect anything less from JB?” Towns remarked, acknowledging their team’s trust in Brunson.
With the victory, the Knicks avoided falling into a competitive crisis, nestling back into the series. Towns expressed gratitude to his teammates for their support, adding, "We were all doing whatever it took to win."
This triumphant moment not only showcased Towns’ abilities but also reignited hope for the Knicks as they look to build momentum in this playoff series. The upcoming matches will be pivotal as they aim to capitalize on the fourth-quarter magic they discovered in Game 3.
