Knicks Stun Pacers with 20-Point Comeback: Towns Heroics Lead to Game 3 Win

The Indiana Pacers' dominant performance in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a reminder of their strong start to the postseason. However, the New York Knicks refused to be discouraged, as they showed their resilience and fighting spirit in a thrilling comeback victory on Sunday. The Knicks rallied from a 20-point deficit in the second half to secure a 106-100 win and avoid a 3-0 deficit in the series. The comeback was led by center Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 20 points in the final 12 minutes of the game, including the second-most fourth-quarter playoff points for a Knicks player since 1997. The Knicks' victory was not just a one-man show, as they also benefited from the contributions of Jalen Brunson, who battled foul trouble for the entire second half. The Knicks have now recorded three 20-point comebacks in these playoffs and a record sixth overall this postseason. They got their first two comebacks in Games 1 and 2 of their previous round against the Boston Celtics. Before Game 3, the Knicks made a change to their starting lineup, which had been getting outplayed for months and pulverized in the Pacers series. Big man Mitchell Robinson entered the fray, and big guard Josh Hart was relegated to the bench. The shift was overall a positive, with only Brunson finishing the game with a negative plus-minus. Towns responded well despite having company in the paint, and Hart was unbothered by the change, playing 34 minutes and providing the kind of physicality Knicks fans love. The game was all Indiana early on, with a 29-9 run in the second quarter putting them up by 20 points. However, the Knicks refused to go away quietly and fought back to make it a game in the second half. The Knicks were up 100-98 when Hart came flying from across the court to pull down a missed Myles Turner three-point attempt. Instead of Indiana getting a chance at tying the game or taking the lead with some second-chance points, Hart drew a foul and made a pair of free throws to put the Knicks up four points with 20 seconds left. In the end, it was a thrilling comeback for the Knicks, who will look to build on their momentum in Game 4 on Tuesday. The Pacers will be looking to continue their strong play from Games 1 and 2 and avoid falling into a 3-1 hole in the series. The game will be broadcast live on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.