• The New York Knicks erased a 16-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, cutting Indiana’s series lead to 2-1.
• Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 47 points, leading a dominant 28-13 run that shifted momentum in the Knicks’ favor.
• Pacers coach Rick Carlisle faced criticism for his rotations, as Indiana looks to regroup ahead of Game 4 on Tuesday night.

The New York Knicks stunned the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, erasing a 16-point deficit to claim a 106-100 victory in Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The win keeps New York alive in the series, cutting Indiana’s lead to 2-1 and swinging momentum in the Knicks’ favor heading into Game 4.

Knicks’ Momentum Surge: Late-Game Heroics

After trailing by as much as 16 points in the third quarter, the Knicks unleashed a relentless push late in the period and into the fourth. From the final five minutes of Q3 to the first four minutes of Q4, New York outscored Indiana by a blistering 28-13 margin, erasing Indiana’s lead and seizing control of the game. The Pacers’ bench—featuring Ben Sheppard (-13 in seven minutes) and TJ McConnell (-12 in six minutes)—struggled to contain the Knicks’ offensive assault during this stretch.

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Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were pivotal, combining for 47 points and leading the charge with clutch shot-making and sharp execution down the stretch. Brunson’s ability to exploit mismatches and Towns’ dominance in the paint were too much for Indiana’s second unit to handle.

Carlisle Takes Heat for Rotations

Following the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle was blunt in his assessment of the team’s collapse. “Poor job of closing the third quarter and not a good enough start of the fourth quarter,” said Carlisle, per Tony East of Forbes Sports. “Turned it into a real back-and-forth game… and we did not execute enough.”

Fans were quick to voice their displeasure with Carlisle’s rotations. On social media, criticism poured in, with many questioning Indiana’s use of bench players during crucial moments. One fan commented, “Maybe if you don’t have Ben Sheppard and Tony Bradley in there… Despicable coaching.” Another added, “He should’ve played Obi [Toppin] down the stretch more.”

What’s Next for the Pacers?

Despite the loss, Indiana still holds a 2-1 series lead and has the opportunity to rebound in Game 4 on Tuesday night, again at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A win would push New York to the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5.

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For the Pacers, adjustments will be key. Tyrese Haliburton, who posted a strong 24-point, 10-assist effort in Game 3, will need more help from teammates like Bennedict Mathurin, who has struggled with inconsistency this series. Indiana must also clean up its rotations and find ways to slow down Brunson and Towns, who have been central to the Knicks’ success.

The pressure is mounting, but the Pacers still control their own destiny. Can Carlisle’s squad tighten up and retake control, or will the Knicks ride this wave of momentum and even the series?

Share Your Thoughts!

What do you think of the Game 3 collapse? How can the Pacers bounce back? Share your take in the comments and let us know your predictions for Game 4. Don’t forget to Follow The Dupree Report on WhatsApp for the latest updates!

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