Towns Powers Knicks to Game 3 Comeback in Unpredictable Eastern Finals
If the story of the Eastern Conference Finals so far has been about resilience, Sunday night in Indianapolis penned the latest and most thrilling chapter yet.
After falling behind by 20 points in the first half and seemingly on the brink of a 0-3 series deficit, the New York Knicks staged a stunning second-half fightback to claim a 106-100 win over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The result breathes life into the Knicks’ title hopes, cutting the Pacers’ lead to 2-1 in a series that continues to defy expectations.
Leading the charge was Karl-Anthony Towns, whose imposing fourth-quarter performance—20 of his 24 points and 8 of his 15 rebounds came in the final 12 minutes—shifted the momentum in favour of the Knicks when it mattered most.
A Battle of Momentum
After back-to-back road wins in New York, the Pacers returned to Indiana looking to consolidate their grip on the series. And for most of the first half, they looked every bit the team in control. Indiana surged ahead, building a 20-point lead in the second quarter with their trademark ball movement and defensive energy. Tyrese Haliburton was again in rhythm early, eventually finishing with 20 points, but the offensive cohesion that fuelled their success in Games 1 and 2 faded late.
The Pacers’ three-point shooting, previously a strength, crumbled under pressure. Indiana went a dismal 5-for-25 from beyond the arc, registering their lowest three-point tally, fewest attempts, and worst shooting percentage from distance in the postseason so far. In contrast, the Knicks found their offensive groove just in time.
Down by 10 entering the fourth quarter, the Knicks kept their composure. With Towns in takeover mode and Jalen Brunson steadying the offence with 23 points, the visitors outscored Indiana 32-16 in the final frame, silencing what had been a deafening home crowd—bolstered by the buzz of the earlier Indy 500, won by Álex Palou.
A Historic Run for the Knicks
This was no ordinary comeback. According to NBA records, New York became the first team in league history to record three 20-point comebacks in a single postseason, adding to two earlier revivals in their series against the Boston Celtics.
The Knicks’ success was built on grit and unselfish play. As head coach Tom Thibodeau remarked post-game, “When someone gets going, you try to keep him going.” That mindset perfectly encapsulated the shift in approach that allowed Towns to dominate the clutch moments.
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ blueprint for victory—scoring over 114 points—crumbled. They are now 10-0 when scoring 114+ in these playoffs, and 0-3 when they don’t. Sunday’s 100-point output was their lowest of the postseason.
Betting Breakdown – America Bet Performance Recap
Our original America Bet preview tipped Indiana for the win and forecasted a higher-scoring affair. With the Knicks pulling off the upset and the game finishing under 226.5 total points, it was a mixed night on the betting front.
Here’s how our 10 featured bets fared:
- Over 226.5 total points – ❌ (Final: 206)
- Indiana Pacers to win – ❌
- Pascal Siakam over 24.5 points – ❌ (Scored below target)
- Jalen Brunson over 30.5 points – ❌ (Finished with 23)
- Tyrese Haliburton over 8.5 assists – ❌ (Assists total not reached)
- Aaron Nesmith 3+ three-pointers made – ❌ (Limited impact)
- Mitchell Robinson over 8.5 rebounds – ❌ (Limited minutes)
- First quarter winner – Indiana Pacers – ✅ (Pacers led early)
- Game to go to overtime – No – ✅
- Indiana to win by 6-10 points – ❌
Final Scorecard: 2 correct ✅, 8 incorrect ❌
While it wasn’t our strongest showing, the unpredictability of the Eastern Finals has kept even seasoned bettors on their toes. With Game 4 looming, it’s clear that both the series and the markets are wide open.
What’s Next?
Game 4 tips off on Tuesday night back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the series dynamic has changed drastically. What once looked like a one-sided affair is now a full-blown fight for the Finals.
Will Indiana regain their offensive fluency and bounce back at home? Or can the Knicks keep rewriting history one comeback at a time?
Whatever unfolds, you can rely on America Bet for expertly crafted match previews, score predictions, and betting tips as the playoffs continue.
