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Game 3 of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals was the latest chapter in the Knicks vs. Pacers rivalry. Game 3 recap and analysis of the New York vs. Indiana feud.
A Rivalry Reborn - Game 3 the Latest Chapter in Knicks vs. Pacers Feud
From Reggie vs. Spike to Brunson vs. Haliburton, the Knicks vs. Pacers rivalry has always felt personal. Game 3 of this year’s Eastern Conference Finals just added another unforgettable chapter to the bitter feud.
Here’s the story of Game 3 and why this rivalry is one of the best in the NBA…
A History of Violence
The Knicks and Pacers have clashed in the NBA Playoffs eight times since 1993. From 1994 to 2000, they met six times with each series being a war. The Knicks won the first two meetings, but Indiana has taken five of the last six.
Reggie Miller’s eight points in nine seconds. Spike Lee’s antics. It was pure drama.
The Rivalry Is Back
Fast forward to 2025. The rivalry is back. With the Knicks coming off a shocking upset of the Boston Celtics, Indiana stuns New York in Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Game 1: A 14-point Knicks lead erased in the final minutes.
Game 2: Another late New York collapse.
House of Horrors
The setting for Game 3 shifted to Gainbridge Fieldhouse – an environment that’s historically been a house of horrors for the Knicks.
Since opening in 2000, New York was 0-9 in playoff games there. Three different series, zero Knick wins in the state of Indiana.
Game 3: Pacers Come Out Blazing
It’s all Pacers to start Game 3. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrates a free-flowing Indiana offense to an early 20-point lead. The Knicks look lost and on the verge of going down 0-3 in the series.
KAT To The Rescue
But then came the fourth quarter…
Karl-Anthony Towns, heavily criticized for his performance in Game 2, erupted. He scored 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, igniting a furious New York comeback.
New York Steps Up
Despite being in foul trouble all night, Jalen Brunson adds 23 points. OG Anunoby contributes 16 points and three blocks. The New York defense tightened and swarmed, while the high-octane Indiana offense stalled out.
Crunch Time
With under two minutes left in Game 3, the Knicks took the lead. Josh Hart’s late clutch free throws sealed the 106-100 New York victory.
Exorcising Ghosts In Indiana
The Game 3 win snapped the Knicks’ nine-game playoff losing streak in Indianapolis. It was the franchise’s first postseason victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Game 4 On The Horizon
The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of Indiana. Game 4 is set for Tuesday night in Indianapolis. The Knicks have a chance to even the series at two games apiece.
The Intensity of Rivalry Remains The Same
This legendary rivalry – once defined by the likes of Miller, Ewing, and Starks – now features Haliburton, Brunson, and Towns. Despite the different characters in the story, the intensity of the rivalry remains the same.
Can Pacers Regain Control?
The Knicks have certainly displayed resilience in bouncing back from a 2-0 deficit. Can the Pacers counterpunch and regain control of their home court in Game 4?
Rivalry Is Alive and Well
As this series progresses, it feels as though each game adds to the rich history of this rivalry. Will the Knicks continue their comeback or will the Pacers reassert control of the series?
The Battle Continues
One thing is certain…the Knicks-Pacers rivalry is alive and well. Stay tuned for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday. The battle continues.
