New York Knicks Make NBA History with 20-Point Comeback against Indiana Pacers
The New York Knicks pulled off a stunning comeback in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trailing 55-35 with just over three minutes left in the first half, the New York Knicks looked outmatched early on. However, their resilience and determination shone through as they chipped away at the lead, eventually taking control in the fourth quarter behind a dominant performance from Karl-Anthony Towns.
This victory marked the Knicks’ third 20-plus point comeback of the 2025 playoffs, a feat that sets a new NBA record for the most such comebacks by any team since 1998. The Knicks had already rallied from similar deficits twice in their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Boston Celtics, winning both games after trailing by 20 points.
Karl-Anthony Towns Leads the Charge
Towns was the driving force behind the Knicks’ comeback, scoring 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter alone and grabbing 15 rebounds. His late-game heroics energized the team and the crowd, turning the tide in New York’s favor.
Jalen Brunson also played a crucial role, hitting the go-ahead floater with just over a minute remaining that put the Knicks ahead for good.
The Indiana Pacers, who entered Game 3 with a 2-0 series lead and confidence from their own historic comeback in Game 1, were stunned by the Knicks’ relentless fight. Despite Pacers’ early dominance, Knicks’ defense tightened in the second half, with key contributions from role players like Delon Wright and Landry Shamet.
A Momentum Shift
The Knicks’ comeback not only cut their series deficit to 2-1 but also shifted momentum firmly in their favor heading into Game 4. This game continued the theme of unpredictability in the series, with both teams demonstrating resilience and an ability to overcome large deficits.
No other NBA team in the modern era has managed three 20-point comebacks in a single postseason, highlighting the Knicks’ unique combination of grit and determination. The victory breathed new life into New York’s playoff hopes and underscored their identity as the “Cardiac Knicks,” a team that thrives in high-pressure situations.
With the series now more competitive, the Knicks will look to build on this historic win as they return to Indiana for Game 4.
