Towns Leads Knicks to Game 3 Win Over Pacers in East Finals

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Knicks Stun Pacers

In a blazing display of grit, hustle, and a little bit of Broadway magic, the New York Knicks pulled off a sensational Game 3 win over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, shaking up the playoff narrative and Madison Square Garden along with it. A matchup that had looked like it might quietly lean toward Indiana turned into a full-blown Manhattan marvel, with the Knicks stealing the showand advantagewith a 114-109 upset in Indianapolis.

Towns Takes Center Stage

With Jalen Brunson battling rhythm issues and Julius Randle still sidelined, it was Karl-Anthony Towns who seized the spotlight in Game 3. The big man delivered a monstrous 34-point, 12-rebound masterpiece, making it clear why the Knicks bet big on him earlier in the season. Whether it was feathery mid-range jumpers, beastly low-block work, or clutch three-pointers, KAT played like a man on a missionand that mission was domination.

“This is what we play for,” Towns told reporters afterwards. “Moments like this in buildings like thisthis is the dream.”

Defense, Determination, and a Dash of Drama

The Knicks’ defensive intensity came to life in the second half. After trailing by 12 in the third quarter and with the momentum seemingly slipping away, New York dug deep. Josh Hartthe Swiss Army knife of Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemesdelivered a jaw-dropping swat of Tyrese Haliburton in the closing minutes, a play that flipped the emotional tempo of the game.

Haliburton, who had torched New York in Game 2, was held to a modest 18-point outing. He struggled to find clean looks under the relentless perimeter pressure. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby played his role to perfectionbodying up on defense and knocking down two crucial threes during the Knicks’ fourth-quarter surge.

The Garden’s Grit on the Road

Led by head coach Tom Thibodeau’s unmistakable brand of physical, bruising basketball, the Knicks outworked the Pacers on the boards and in hustle plays. New York edged Indiana 46-38 in rebounds, and collected 14 offensive boards to keep crucial possessions alive.

“We define ourselves by effort,” said Thibodeau postgame, his voice as gravelly as the Knicks’ play. “Defense, rebounding, and playing for each otherthat’s Knicks basketball.”

Pacers in Peril?

All signs had pointed toward Indiana taking control of the series in their house. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was rocking early on, with Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin combining for explosive spurts in the first half. But as the stakes rose, the Pacers’ offense grew stagnant and their defense porous.

Turner finished with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Mathurin added 19 off the benchbut neither could find answers for a Knicks team that clearly wanted it more. Coach Rick Carlisle lamented the lapses: “We didn’t match their physicality consistently. They took the game from us.”

Game 4: Pressure Mounts

With the Knicks now leading the series 2-1, the narrative shifts dramatically heading into Game 4. New York has reclaimed home-court advantage, and with momentum on their side, they’re sensing blood in the water.

For Indiana, Game 4 represents a must-win scenario. Falling behind 3-1 against this Knicks squadthick-skinned, deep, and increasingly confidentcould be fatal to their Finals dream.

Fans around the league are watching closely: Is this the return of Knicks relevancy deep in May? Or just a thrilling chapter in what’s shaping up to be a ferocious Eastern slugfest?

The Stat Sheet Doesn’t Lie

  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 34 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Jalen Brunson: 18 points, 9 assists (off shooting night, but led late run)
  • Josh Hart: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, endless hustle
  • Myles Turner (Pacers): 23 points, 7 rebounds
  • Bench Points: Knicks 36, Pacers 29

New York Makes Noise

With this win, the Knicks aren’t just back in front in the East Finalsthey’re back in the national conversation in a big way. For a franchise long treated as basketball’s sleeping giant, this isn’t just about standings. It’s about legacy. About belief. About the possibility of adding a new banner in Madison Square Garden.

Don’t look now, but the Knicks might be waking upand the Eastern Conference had better brace itself.


Game 4 tips off Wednesday night in Indianapolis. Buckle inthis series is far from done.

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