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Karl-Anthony Towns “Blacked Out” in Unreal Fourth Quarter to Rescue Knicks in Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered one of the most electrifying performances in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, putting the New York Knicks on his back to stave off elimination against the Indiana Pacers.
Trailing by 20 points in the second half, the Knicks seemed destined for a 3-0 series hole, a deficit no NBA team has ever overcome. But Towns changed the narrative with a near-flawless fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his 24 points in that final frame alone to lead New York to a 106-100 victory and keep their season alive.
Reflecting on his performance ahead of Game 4, Towns told TNT, “The whole fourth quarter, I was in the zone. It was just a blur. Didn’t even realize what the score was. I was just so locked into that game. You kinda lose yourself in it.” His ability to “black out” and focus entirely on the moment was crucial as the Knicks clawed back from the brink of disaster.
A complete offensive takeover
Towns’ fourth-quarter onslaught was a mix of sharpshooting, aggressive drives, and smart playmaking. He opened the period with a 27-foot three-pointer, followed immediately by a layup on the next possession.
Towns then grabbed a defensive rebound and fired a long outlet pass to Delon Wright for another basket, setting the tone for the Knicks’ rally. Over the first four minutes of the quarter, Towns was directly involved in New York’s first 17 points, either scoring or assisting.
Despite earlier struggles and foul trouble, Towns’ relentlessness wore down the Pacers’ defense. Indiana’s attempts to contain him with physical play from Myles Turner and others proved ineffective as Towns hit multiple clutch shots, including three triples that helped flip the momentum.
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers series
The Knicks’ resilience in overcoming multiple double-digit deficits this postseason has become a defining trait. Towns’ Game 3 heroics kept the Knicks from falling into an almost impossible 0-3 hole in the series.
Game 4, however, led to a third Indiana Pacers victory in the series. With Game 5 in New York, the Knicks will look to build a historic win, aiming to even the series and extend their playoff run.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ “blackout” fourth quarter was not just a performance but a statement—one that kept the Knicks alive and reminded the basketball world that no lead is safe when he is locked in.
