After strutting out of NYC with two wins in MSG, the Indiana Pacers were smelling blood and swept the leg early on in Game 3, making John Kresse of Cobra Kai proud.
Indiana won the first quarter by four points then went into halftime with an 11-point lead. At one point, they were up by 20 points, and it looked to be a wrap.
But the Knicks got themselves into a New York state of mind at halftime.
New York won the third quarter by three points then took care of business in the fourth to win 106-100, bringing them within one win of tying up the series.
Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,200; 44.25 FPTS) was brilliant, especially in the second half. He was draining treys and taking it strong to the bucket time and time again. He finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and an assist in 33 minutes. He shot 8-of-17 from the field, 3-of-7 from downtown and 5-of-6 from the line.
Jalen Brunson ($9,100; 26 FPTS) had 23 points, but only chipped in two rebounds and an assist in 31 minutes. He converted 6-of-18 from the field, 1-of-5 from downtown and drained all 10 of his free throws.
OG Anunoby ($6,000; 31.5 FPTS) was a beast at both ends of the floor, stuffing the stat sheet across the board. He put up 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal.
Mitchell Robinson ($3,800; 18.5 FPTS) was inserted into the starting lineup in lieu of Josh Hart and played 29 minutes. He contributed six points, six rebounds, one assist, a block and a steal.
Josh Hart ($6,900; 28 FPTS) still played 34 minutes despite coming off the bench and produced eight points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal. He had some huge rebounds and free throws at the end of the game.
For Indiana:
Tyrese Haliburton ($8,300; 41 FPTS) led the way with 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He shot 7-of-15 from the field, 2-of-8 from downtown and made all four free throws.
Myles Turner ($5,900; 34.5 FPTS) stuffed the stat sheet like Anunoby on the other side. Turner finished with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. He only shot 1-of-6 from downtown.
Pascal Siakam ($6,400; 25 FPTS) could not replicate the Game 2 heroics, finishing with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists.
T.J. McConnell ($3,600; 19.25 FPTS) was excellent off the bench. He only played 15 minutes but produced 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Game 4 is Tuesday in Indiana.
