Towns' Fourth Quarter Heroics Save New York

The New York Knicks rewrote NBA playoff history Sunday night, storming back from a 20-point deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This remarkable victory marks the first time any team has achieved three 20-point playoff comebacks in a single postseason.

The Turning Point

Trailing 55-35 at halftime and facing potential elimination, Karl-Anthony Towns took over the game with a career-defining performance. The All-Star center exploded for 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter, showcasing his full offensive Arsenal with deep three-pointers, crafty post moves, and relentless energy. His 30-foot step-back jumper at the 5:07 mark gave New York its first lead at 94-90, electrifying the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Team Effort Seals Victory

While Towns dominated the scoring, Jalen Brunson's crucial floater with 77 seconds left put the Knicks ahead for good despite his limited fourth-quarter minutes due to foul trouble. Josh Hart contributed 10 rebounds and clutch free throws in the final moments, demonstrating New York's balanced attack.

Pacers' Missed Opportunities

Indiana's collapse was marked by poor shooting (5-for-25 from three-point range) and defensive breakdowns. The absence of injured defender Aaron Nesmith proved critical as the Pacers surrendered 42 second-half points. Tyrese Haliburton's team-high 20 points weren't enough to overcome late-game execution errors.

Historical Significance

This comeback echoes New York's previous playoff heroics against Boston, where they overcame consecutive 20-point deficits. Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team's resilience: "We've shown we can win in any situation. Our guys never doubt themselves."

Series Implications

The victory narrows Indiana's series lead to 2-1 as both teams prepare for Tuesday's Game 4. Towns' performance solidifies his Playoff Legacy while establishing the Knicks as genuine championship contenders. As Brunson stated: "This isn't just about one win - it's about proving we belong with the NBA's best."