In a stunning turnaround, the New York Knicks clawed their way back into the Eastern Conference finals after a significant slip-up by the Indiana Pacers in Game 3, ending the night in a nail-biting 106-100 victory.

The drama unfolded at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers held a commanding 18-point lead with just over a minute left in the second quarter. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star guard, faced foul trouble but still managed to make his mark when it mattered most.

With Indiana holding a dominant 2-0 series lead and looking poised to advance to the NBA Finals, the Knicks’ resurgence seemed improbable. Historically, no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 playoff series deficit.

However, everything changed in the second half of Game 3 as the Pacers failed to maintain their composure and capitalize on their lead. Coach Rick Carlisle noted the importance of poise and execution in playoff basketball but acknowledged that his team faltered in those critical moments.

The Pacers not only dropped their lead but also struggled offensively in the second half, scoring a mere 42 points – their lowest scoring performance since early February. Tyrese Haliburton remarked on the team’s struggles, feeling that the offense stagnated, leading to costly turnovers.

Brunson, who was strategically hidden on defense, managed to stay in the game long enough to deliver a decisive floater that put the Knicks ahead for good — a moment that highlighted the Pacers’ missed opportunities.

Injuries also plagued the Pacers; Aaron Nesmith, one of their key players, sprained his ankle but returned to finish the game without making an impact. This mishap contributed to Indiana's inability to convert on crucial possessions.

The game marked a deceptive finish as the Pacers led by 16 points early in the third quarter, yet allowed the Knicks to linger within striking distance, ultimately sowing the seeds for their undoing.

With the series at 2-1, the Pacers must regroup quickly before Game 4 to avoid a repeat of their previous playoff woes against the Bucks and Cavaliers, where they similarly let advantages slip away. If Indiana doesn’t sharpen their gameplay, the Knicks could reclaim home-court advantage and turn the tide of the series.

As Haliburton warns, scoring just 100 points isn’t the Pacers' identity, and they can't afford to shell out underwhelming performances if they wish to prevent this series from becoming a nail-biter.