The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100 in Game 3 as they avoided a 3-0 series deficit. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed the Knicks’ first 17 points in the fourth quarter by scoring or assisting on baskets over the opening four minutes.
“The game wasn’t looking great for me. But for all of us, I just wanted to do whatever it takes to help put us in a position to win,” said Towns.
“I know you guys roll your eyes when I say no lead is safe, but no lead is safe,” said Tom Thibodeau.
Towns’ surge came with Jalen Brunson on the bench due to foul trouble and playing beside rarely used players such as Landry Shamet and Delon Wright.
“I think at first, it kind of took [our group] a little bit to figure out what we were going to do offensively. But that unit was full of guys who have been in the league and who know how to play basketball,” Hart said of players such as Shamet and Wright, who haven’t played much this postseason. “It’s huge to have guys who stay ready. It doesn’t matter the situation. That’s exactly why you stay ready.”
With the Knicks finding a working formula, Thibodeau left Brunson on the bench until 1:37 remained in the fourth quarter.
“It’s an emotional game, it’s a long game. Things can happen, things can not go your way. You can easily crash out, or you can respond the right way,” Brunson said.