With 1:36 left in the second quarter of Game 3, the Indiana Pacers appeared poised to seal their dominance. The New York Knicks’ star guard Jalen Brunson had just picked up his fourth foul, and the Pacers held a commanding 56-40 lead. After Andrew Nembhard’s two free throws pushed Indiana’s advantage to 18, the outlook seemed grim for New York.

Indiana, up 2-0 in the series and having won both opening games on New York’s home court, looked to be on the verge of history. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series — the record stands at an unblemished 157-0. The Pacers’ swagger felt as inevitable as a perfect golf shot heading straight for the hole.

The Knicks Refuse to Fold: A Slow Burn Revival

But what unfolded next was anything but routine. Instead of folding, the Knicks methodically chipped away at the Pacers’ lead. By halftime, the deficit was down to 13 points, and New York began to find its rhythm.

The third quarter exposed Indiana’s stagnation. Despite Brunson’s foul trouble, the Pacers curiously chose not to attack him aggressively. Instead, they guarded him with forward Aaron Nesmith, who mostly stayed in the corner, avoiding matchup pressure. Indiana failed to capitalize on pick-and-roll opportunities or post-up advantages, and took a series of questionable shots, allowing New York to stay within striking distance.

At the end of the third quarter, Indiana’s lead was 90-80 — dangerously close in a series where comebacks are becoming routine. The Knicks weren’t relying on Brunson alone; Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride ignited critical runs, while Karl-Anthony Towns prepared for a monstrous fourth-quarter performance.

Fourth Quarter Heroics: Towns Takes Over

New York’s big man, Karl-Anthony Towns, exploded for 20 of his game-high 24 points in the final 12 minutes. His clutch shooting and inside presence gave the Knicks life and confidence. Meanwhile, the Pacers’ offense sputtered, scoring just 42 points after halftime — their fewest since early February.

Indiana’s coach Rick Carlisle lamented the team’s loss of composure amid playoff intensity. “We had some back-and-forth, kind of nutty plays, with some turnovers and stuff like that,” he said. “So much of playoff basketball is doing the basics really well... clearly, we didn’t do well enough.”

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton echoed the frustration, noting the offense “felt stuck” and turnover issues deepened in the second half.

Injuries and Missed Opportunities

The Pacers’ woes were compounded when Aaron Nesmith, a sharpshooter who had torched the Knicks earlier in the series, sprained his ankle midway through the third quarter. Nesmith’s diminished offensive impact removed a key weapon from Indiana’s arsenal.

Despite leading by as much as 16 points early in the third quarter, the Pacers repeatedly allowed New York to claw back. The Knicks’ persistent pressure, combined with the Pacers’ lackluster execution, paved the way for a stunning finish.

Brunson’s Foul Trouble and Final Moments

Jalen Brunson, who had been closely guarded but kept out of serious foul trouble, did not pick up his fifth foul until just over seven minutes remained in the fourth quarter. After a brief rest, he returned to the floor and hit a crucial floater with 1:17 left, giving the Knicks a lead they never relinquished.

The 106-100 victory cut Indiana’s series advantage to 2-1 and sent a clear message: this series is far from over.

What’s Next? A Test of Pacers’ Resolve

Indiana faces a familiar challenge: after suffering costly Game 3 losses in previous playoff series despite strong starts, they must quickly adjust or risk a momentum swing that could cost them home-court advantage.

Haliburton acknowledged the need to return to the fundamentals. “A hundred points? That’s not us,” he said. For the Pacers, Tuesday’s Game 4 isn’t just another game, it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and reaffirm their dominance.

For New York, the comeback injects hope, momentum, and a belief that no lead is safe, especially with Towns and Brunson firing on all cylinders.