Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help the New York Knicks erase a double-digit deficit and take Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 106-100, over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
After the win, Towns called the victory essential given the stakes, saying, “To get a win tonight is big for our team and in the series as well.”
The Knicks trailed by as many as 20 points and were down 2-0 entering the game, but a dominant fourth quarter from Towns and clutch contributions from Jalen Brunson helped New York claw back into the series.
Towns credited his teammates for setting him up throughout the final period, saying, “Teammates put me in great spots to succeed and I just wanted to capitalize on opportunity.”
His eight-minute stretch to open the fourth featured a go-ahead three-pointer, multiple drives to the rim, and a noticeable increase in ball-handling responsibility.
“I just saw an opportunity to utilize all those hours I put into the gym,” Towns said. “I just wanted to do whatever it takes to help put us in a position to win.”
Brunson, who battled foul trouble throughout the game, returned in the fourth to hit key shots, including a driving layup that gave the Knicks their first lead since the opening quarter.
“Honestly, just focusing on the moment and clearing my mind,” Brunson said about recovering from early struggles. “Not really worrying about what’s happened previously.”
Veterans Josh Hart, Delon Wright, and Landry Shamet all contributed critical minutes off the bench as the Knicks outscored Indiana 36-20 in the final frame.
Towns praised the professionalism of the supporting cast, noting, “The way that the guys prepared and were ready to go tonight… speaks volumes for what those guys did.”
Indiana led 55-35 in the second quarter and held a 16-point cushion in the third before faltering late.
Asked about the repeated comebacks from large deficits, Towns pointed to team chemistry and resilience: “It tests the character of everyone in that locker room and our willingness to not give up and continue to fight.”
The Knicks now trail 2-1 in the series with Game 4 set for Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Towns acknowledged the urgency going forward, adding, “We know we got to be better than we were tonight if we expect to find a way to get another win.”
