KAT’s 20-Point Fourth Quarter Sparks Knicks Comeback on the Road
The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 106–100 in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals Sunday night. Thus, avoiding a 3-0 deficit. Entering the night, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau made a surprising switch to the starting lineups, giving Mitchell Robinson the nod over Josh Hart. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle elected to continue with the same lineup used in Indiana’s Games One and Two victories.
New York Storms Back from Down 20 on the Road
After trailing by as much as 20 in the first half, a 10–3 run in the final 3:06 cut the lead down to a 58–45 margin. Indiana’s fast-paced play proved once again to be a difficulty for New York to handle, scoring 14 fast-break points in the opening half. With both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with foul trouble throughout the game, New York received valuable third-quarter minutes from Delon Wright and Landry Shamet, neutralizing a 6-0 run that saw the lead increase to 16. A strong defensive third quarter helped New York chip the lead down to 10 entering the fourth quarter.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Fourth Quarter Takeover
Trailing 80–70 entering the fourth quarter, Towns had just four points along with four fouls. However, a deep three and a pivotal and-one helped cut the lead to just three with exactly 10 minutes remaining. From there on, KAT would make another three and have a vicious and-one dunk en route to a 20-point fourth quarter, equaling Indiana’s fourth quarter scoring. After a failed challenge leading to his fifth foul, Brunson would exit at the 7:03 mark and not return until the 1:37 mark. Tied at 98 with 1:37 left, Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead driving layup over game one hero, Aaron Nesmith, to give them a 100-98 lead. On the other end, Myles Turner would miss a 28-foot three-pointer with 22.1 seconds remaining. Josh Hart would grab two crucial rebounds in the final seconds, nailing four clutch free throws to solidify a Knicks road comeback.
Indiana’s Offense Cools Down in Second Half
Indiana’s offense faltered in the second half, scoring just 42 points compared to their 58 in the first half. New York’s transition defense in the second half was a big reason, holding Indiana to just two fast-break points. Looking back, Indiana will point to their combined five for 25 from three as a major reason for their offensive struggles, particularly in the second half. With Game Four on Tuesday night, Indiana will look to keep home-court advantage and head back to New York with a chance to close out the series up 3–1.
