New York Knicks defeat the Indiana Pacers 106-100, move to 1-2 in the ECF: The Empire State strikes back

The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 106-100, bringing the Eastern Conference Finals to 2-1 with Indiana leading the series. Tom Thibodeau threw everything at Indiana and found some combinations that worked.

The first half looked concerning for New York. The Knicks kept things close in the first quarter, but Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Deuce McBride all struggled with foul trouble and turnovers that helped Indiana to a 20-point lead. The Knicks cut into that lead, but trailed by 13 at halftime.

The Pacers continued to play with a lead in the teens for most of the third quarter. Deuce McBride’s offense and Landry Shamet’s defense helped pick up momentum and eat into Indiana’s lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter started with Jalen Brunson picking up his fifth foul and heading to the bench. But Karl-Anthony Towns played his best quarter of the series while the Knicks played their best defense to take a lead late. Indiana pushed again, but Brunson returned to put a cap on the game with one final field goal.

The Knicks were on the precipice of an insurmountable deficit, but now they have a chance to tie the series with one more win. Let’s look at their comeback through the top performers.