The New York Knicks trailed by as many as 20 points in the first half but completely flipped the script in the second, securing a 106–100 win and avoiding a 3–0 series deficit against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals on May 26.
Indiana Pacers Top Performers:
Tyrese Haliburton 20 PTS | 7 AST | 3 STL | 41.3 FPS
Haliburton was a big part of the Pacers’ rally during the first half, helping his team build a 20-point lead. Even so, they couldn’t avoid a major collapse, as their offense stagnated in the fourth quarter and Haliburton failed to step up. Despite his struggles from three, he still finished with his sixth 20+point game of the playoffs. However, his playmaking wasn’t as sharp as usual after averaging 11 assists over the previous two games. That said, Haliburton will need to do a better job offensively if they hope to regain control of the series in Game 4.
Myles Turner 19 PTS | 4 REB | 2 BLK | 36.3 FPS
Turner has consistently contributed across the board in this series. Offensively, he’s been very dependable, recording double-digit scoring in 12 of 13 playoff games. The only drawbacks have been his struggles from the three-point area, shooting just 21%, and a decline in his rebounding. Despite that, he should remain a productive asset in the coming games, but he should take on a bigger role on offense to improve their chances of clinching the series.
Aaron Nesmith 8 PTS | 7 REB | 2 STL | 25.4 FPS
Nesmith wasn’t at his best offensively, but he continued his dependable two-way play, recording at least one steal and one block in three straight games, along with 7 rebounds in each of the last two. However, his impact was limited after tweaking his ankle in the third quarter, and his status for Game 4 remains uncertain. He’s been a key asset in this series as the primary defender on Brunson while also providing reliable perimeter shooting.
Pascal Siakam 17 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST | 24.8 FPS
Siakam was nearly unstoppable in Game 2 with 39 points, but he couldn’t maintain that momentum today, going against a bigger defender in Robinson. His free-throw shooting remains off, but he was still a factor on offense, recording his 10th game this postseason with at least 17 points and making tough shots in the clutch. He’s also been shooting well from the field, hitting nearly 55% of his shots through three games in this series. While replicating his Game 2 performance may be difficult, the team will need him to score at least 20 points moving forward if they hope to clinch the series.
TJ McConnell 12 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 18.1 FPS
McConnell delivered a strong start, scoring 10 points in just 9 minutes. He was also a major factor in transition, contributing to the team’s +14 advantage in fast break points. His role is to score and initiate their transition offense, so he should continue to be a productive asset off the bench in the coming games.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Karl Anthony-Towns 24 PTS | 15 REB | 1 AST | 37.5 FPS
Big KAT started off slow and found himself in early foul trouble, but he turned things around in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his 24 points and matching the Pacers’ total for the period. He recorded his 10th game of the playoffs with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. While he has consistently put up impressive scoring and rebounding numbers, his overall stat line remains modest, with limited impact in other areas.
OG Anunoby 16 PTS | 1 STL | 3 BLK | 33.4 FPS
OG continues to be an elite two-way asset. Offensively, he finished with his third straight 16-point game in this series in a very efficient performance, shooting 67% from the field and hitting four threes. He’s been reliable but has been more productive on the road, scoring at least 19 points in four away games. Defensively, he’s averaging 4 stocks per game in this series. His impact was especially felt in the second quarter, helping the team rally back from a 20-point deficit. That said, his versatility should remain crucial as they look to even the series.
Josh Hart 8 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST | 28.0 FPS
Hart didn’t get the start, but he still logged heavy minutes. He also didn’t do much on offense, but his rebounding, especially in the fourth quarter, was a big factor. He finished with his seventh double-digit rebounding performance, helping the team close out the win. While most of his impact comes from his hustle plays, they’ll also need him to step up offensively if they want a better shot at tying the series.
Jalen Brunson 23 PTS | 2 REB | 1 AST | 23.9 FPS
Brunson got off to a solid start, scoring 11 points and going 6-for-6 from the line in the first quarter. However, he slowed the rest of the way with foul troubles. Still, he finished with his 13th postseason game with at least 20 points. Fouls and turnovers have been major issues for him in this series, but he should be in line for a stronger showing in Game 4.
Mikal Bridges 15 PTS | 2 REB | 2 STL | 23.9 FPS
Bridges didn’t do much in rebounding, but he continues to deliver on both ends. He’s put up at least 15 points and recorded at least two stocks in three games this series. He should also continue to play a significant part in the rotation as the main defender on Haliburton and one of their primary options on offense.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Andrew Nembhard 9 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST
Nembhard doesn’t put up big scoring numbers often, but he’s been productive in his first two games against the Knicks, reaching double-digit points while shooting 60% from the field. However, he’s been less impactful at home games, averaging just 8.7 points over his last three, including today. While his scoring can be inconsistent, he should stay relevant with his versatility and defense.
