About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, we analyze Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals where the New York Knicks overcame a daunting 20-point deficit against the Indiana Pacers to win 106-100. We discuss key moments including coach Tom Thibodeau's lineup changes, Karl-Anthony Towns' pivotal fourth-quarter performance scoring 20 points, and Jalen Brunson's crucial late-game basket that secured victory. This comeback prevented an unprecedented series sweep as both teams prepare for Game 4 in Indianapolis.
Article Discussed: "Towns, Knicks storm back from 20 down to stun Pacers in Game 3"
Author: Chris Herring
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45322791/karl-anthony-towns-knicks-rally-20-stun-pacers-game-3
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Tonight, we're diving into an intense Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals where the New York Knicks pulled off a stunning comeback against the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks were down by as much as 20 points but managed to turn things around in the final quarter for a 106-100 victory.
Stella: Hi everyone! Yes, this game was a rollercoaster. The Pacers had control for most of it, especially with Jalen Brunson struggling early on due to fouls and tough defense. But Karl-Anthony Towns really stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points and helping shift momentum back to New York.
Niko: Right, through three quarters, the Pacers were dominating. They had drawn four fouls on Brunson and held him to just 4-for-14 shooting. The home crowd was energized with a double-digit lead that peaked at 20 points in the first half. Meanwhile, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau made a bold move by changing his starting lineup, bringing in Mitchell Robinson instead of Josh Hart.
Stella: That lineup change definitely altered the rotation and dynamics on the court. Early foul trouble also affected key players like Miles McBride and Towns himself who only had 4 points after three quarters. Despite that, Thibodeau relied on role players like Delon Wright and Landry Shamet to keep the team competitive heading into the fourth.
Niko: And those role players really came through defensively in that final quarter, slowing down what had been a hot Pacers offense. Towns kicked off New York's comeback with a deep three-pointer followed by a layup and an assist on an outlet pass to Wright. He was involved in their first 17 points of the quarter either scoring or assisting.
Stella: "The game wasn't looking great for me," Towns admitted after finishing with a game-high 24 points and pulling down eight rebounds in that crucial fourth quarter alone. Because of his strong play and Brunson's foul trouble—he picked up his fifth foul early in the final period—Thibodeau kept Brunson on the bench until there was just over a minute left.
Niko: "It's an emotional game," Brunson said about those tense moments. When he finally returned with just over a minute left, he hit a go-ahead floater that sealed the lead for New York. This win prevented the Knicks from falling into an impossible 0-3 hole in this best-of-seven series—a deficit no NBA team has ever overcome.
Stella: "No lead is safe," Thibodeau reminded us after this game, reflecting on how his team has now come back from multiple double-digit deficits this postseason including against Boston earlier. It’s clear that resilience is becoming their hallmark as they head into Game 4 back in Indianapolis Tuesday night.
Niko: So to sum up: despite early struggles and foul trouble for key players like Brunson and Towns, strategic lineup changes combined with clutch performances from role players fueled one of this postseason’s most impressive comebacks. It’s a reminder that basketball games can turn around quickly when teams stay composed under pressure.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. This game showcased not only individual talent but also teamwork and mental toughness from the Knicks as they avoided falling into an insurmountable series deficit. We’ll be watching closely as this series continues next week right here on Podcasty NBA—thanks for listening!
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