The Eastern Conference finals continue with the No. 3 seed New York Knicks holding onto a Game 3 win over the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers, who still have a 2-1 edge in the series.
The Knicks are aiming to reach the Finals for the first time since 1999. This postseason, New York eliminated the No. 6 seed Detroit Pistons and then handled the No. 2 Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are trying to get back into the Finals since their last appearance in 2000. Indiana knocked off the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks before upsetting the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers.
Here’s what has stood out from the Knicks’ crucial Game 3 win and what’s in store for Game 4.
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Game 3: Knicks 106, Pacers 100
What stood out for the Knicks: With the Knicks staring down a 3-0 series hole and trailing the Pacers by 20 points in Game 3, their season was dangling by a thread. But for the third time this postseason, the Knicks stormed back from a 20-point deficit to win. Karl-Anthony Towns, who entered the fourth quarter with only four points, had a monster final 12 minutes in which he had 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, including 3-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc, and eight rebounds. Josh Hart was also huge in the final period, playing all 12 minutes and finishing with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and four free throws – and the highest plus-minus (+16) of anyone in the fourth quarter.
It was a huge win for the Knicks, who reminded everyone that they’re a great comeback team and no lead is safe. Even more impressive, the Knicks, who entered the fourth quarter down by 10 points, completed the win with Jalen Brunson (23 points) only playing 2 minutes and 46 in the fourth quarter because of foul trouble.
What stood out for the Pacers: The Pacers turned ice-cold in the second half, shooting 36.8 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. Still, the score was tied at 98-98 with 1: 37 left. Throughout the postseason, the Pacers have shined in those moments. But this time, the Knicks bested the Pacers in the clutch to essentially keep their season alive.
Funny enough, this postseason the Pacers are 0-3 in Game 3s, but undefeated in Game 4s and 5s. Tyrese Haliburton, who led the Pacers with 20 points, has made a name for himself these playoffs with buzzer-beaters and go-ahead shots, but he took only four shots in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Miles Turner, who had 19 points, went scoreless in the final 12 minutes.
Having come up big in the clutch in the first two games, Tyrese Haliburton couldn’t muster enough in Game 3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
What’s in store for Game 4: For the Knicks, pulling off a gutsy win with their star player watching from the bench for much of the fourth quarter has to be a shot in the arm for their confidence. The Knicks outrebounded the Pacers in the fourth quarter, 13-7. Heading into Game 4, they’re going to need to replicate the physicality, fight and sharp-shooting that they showed in the second half of Game 3.
For the Pacers, Haliburton needs to be more aggressive in the fourth quarter. He was kicking out the ball instead of showing his typical aggression with the game on the line. He can’t do that going forward. Other than that, they’re going to need to focus on keeping their foot on the gas for an entire 48 minutes, knowing that their opponent has now made a habit of clawing their way back from big deficits.
Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @melissarohlin.
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