After falling into an early 0-2 hole in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks came into Game 3 with their backs against the wall. They needed a response, and they delivered one in a big way — grabbing a crucial 114-108 win on the road in Indianapolis to cut the series deficit to 2-1.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Knicks showed heart, poise, and a level of execution that had been missing in the first two games. From start to finish, they played like a team determined not to let their season slip away, and in doing so, they completely flipped the narrative of this series.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, the Knicks came out with intensity and focus. Jalen Brunson, who had struggled with efficiency in Games 1 and 2, looked much more comfortable, orchestrating the offense and hitting key midrange shots to steady the team early. He finished with 29 points and 9 assists, keeping the Pacers’ defense guessing all night.
Defensively, the Knicks were locked in. They pressured the ball, limited second-chance points, and held Indiana’s high-powered offense to just 22 points in the first quarter — their lowest of the series so far. The tone was set: the Knicks weren’t going down without a fight.
Josh Hart and the Hustle Factor
If there’s been an unsung hero for the Knicks during this playoff run, it’s Josh Hart — and Game 3 was no exception. The versatile wing stuffed the stat sheet once again with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. But more importantly, he brought the kind of energy that changed the flow of the game.
Whether it was diving for loose balls, crashing the offensive glass, or locking up on the perimeter, Hart’s fingerprints were all over this win. His play embodied the grit and toughness the Knicks have relied on all season.
Bench Steps Up
Another key factor in the win was the contribution from the bench. Donte DiVincenzo knocked down four big threes and played solid perimeter defense, while Isaiah Hartenstein made several critical stops in the paint and kept Indiana’s bigs in check.
In a playoff atmosphere where every possession matters, the Knicks’ depth proved vital. For the first time in this series, New York’s bench outscored Indiana’s — and that swing made all the difference.
What’s Next
With the series now at 2-1, the pressure has shifted slightly to the Pacers. The Knicks will look to ride the momentum into Game 4 and even things up. If they can continue to defend at a high level and get production from both their stars and role players, this series could quickly turn into a classic.
One thing is clear: the Knicks are alive and kicking in the Conference Finals.
They went into Indy and got on the board. Now, it’s game on.
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