NBA playoffs are always something else, and Game 3 between the Pacers and Knicks did not disappoint. Both teams came out swinging, knowing just how crucial this game was for the series. After intense battles in Game 1 and Game 2, the stakes were higher than ever. The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats in Game 3 tell a story full of hustle, clutch moments, and some unexpected plays that had fans on the edge of their seats. So buckle up — this recap dives deep into everything that happened on the court, breaking down who showed up, who slipped, and what it means for the rest of the series.
Pacers vs Knicks Match Player Stats Overview
Game 3 between the Pacers and Knicks was one heck of a battle, and the player stats tell a story of grit and grind from both teams. The Pacers showed some strong moments on offense and defense, with a few key players really stepping up to keep the pressure on New York. The Knicks weren’t backing down either — their stars kept fighting hard, hitting some clutch shots when it mattered most.
Early on, the scoring was pretty even, with the Pacers just a bit ahead by halftime. The second half got even more intense, with both teams trading leads and making important plays on both ends of the court. When you look at the numbers — points, assists, rebounds — you see how close this game really was. Every rebound and steal mattered, and it showed how hungry both teams were to take control.
In the sections ahead, we’ll take a closer look at who made the biggest impact, how the matchups shaped the flow of the game, and what the key stats tell us about how the Pacers and Knicks went at it. Plus, we’ll dig into shooting percentages, turnovers, and other details that explain why this Game 3 was such a tough fight for both squads.
Key Moments & Turning Points
Karl-Anthony Towns really took over in the fourth quarter. Even with a sore knee, he dropped 20 of his 24 points in those last 12 minutes. He was driving hard, hitting big shots, and basically carried the Knicks back into the game when it looked like they were done.
Jalen Brunson had a rough night with fouls, sitting out chunks of a game after picking up five. But when he was on the floor, he made some clutch plays—layups and free throws that helped close it out. Even with the trouble, he stayed composed and got it done.
Losing Aaron Nesmith hurt the Pacers badly. He sprained his ankle in the third quarter, and that really messed up Indiana’s defense and rhythm. The Knicks took advantage of that and started chipping away at the lead.
The crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was wild. With the Indy 500 happening the same day, the energy was high too. The Pacers’ fans were loud early on as their team built a big lead, but you could feel the tension rising as the Knicks started returning. It made for an intense game atmosphere.
Full Team Box Score Summary
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | 43.6% | 34.4% | 90.0% | 37 | 13 | 14 | 106 |
| Pacers | 44.2% | 20.0% | 81.8% | 38 | 21 | 12 | 100 |
The Knicks and Pacers delivered a tightly contested battle in Game 3, but the final box score reveals some clear team-level differences. New York shot 43.6% from the field, slightly under Indiana’s 44.2%, yet they held the edge where it mattered—at the free throw line. The Knicks knocked down 27 of 30 foul shots, a sharp 90% efficiency, while the Pacers went 27-for-33. Rebounding was nearly even, but New York’s 37 total boards gave them just enough control in second-chance situations.
Turnovers proved costly for both sides—Indiana committed 12, the Knicks 14—but New York’s ability to finish strong at the rim and keep Indiana from hitting timely threes (just 20% from deep) was decisive. Despite trailing by 20 at one point, the Knicks’ second-half execution—especially in crunch time—turned the tide. The full team stats below reveal just how narrow the margin was in this high-stakes Game 3.
Knicks Player Performance Breakdown
The Knicks leaned on Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson to spark a comeback for the ages in Game 3. Towns came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his 24 points in a heroic burst that flipped the momentum. He added 15 rebounds and bullied the Pacers inside, even with a sore knee. Brunson, despite dealing with foul trouble, managed 23 gritty points and hit a clutch go-ahead layup with just over seven minutes left.
Mikal Bridges had a volume-heavy game with 15 points but struggled from deep. Josh Hart, the engine of hustle, grabbed 10 boards and calmly sank six key free throws. Off the bench, Miles McBride chipped in 9 points, and Landry Shamet added 3, helping preserve leads while Brunson sat. The Knicks’ depth kept the game within reach until the stars could finish it off.
New York Knicks Player Stats
Pacers Player Performance Breakdown
Indiana’s loss in Game 3 wasn’t just about missed shots—it was about rhythm. Tyrese Haliburton showed flashes of leadership with 20 points and 7 assists, but the team’s 3-point shooting (5-for-25) was cold all night. Myles Turner had a solid offensive showing, yet the perimeter defense sagged late. Siakam chipped in steady buckets, but losing Nesmith mid-game disrupted the Pacers’ two-way flow.
Obi Toppin brought needed energy off the bench, yet the rotations never stabilized. Below is the full breakdown of the Pacers’ individual contributions.
Indiana Pacers Player Stats
Statistical Analysis & Trends
The Knicks and Pacers were pretty close in shooting overall — New York made 43.6% of their shots while Indiana was just a bit higher at 44.2%. But what really made the difference was the Knicks’ success from beyond the arc, hitting over a third of their threes compared to just 20% for the Pacers.
At the free throw line, both teams did well, but the Knicks edged out with 90%, helping them stay close when it mattered most late in the game.
Turnovers came into play, too — the Knicks turned it over 14 times, Indiana 12 — and those mistakes swung the momentum back and forth in the final quarter.
Rebounding was neck and neck, with the Pacers grabbing 38 boards and New York pulling down 37. Still, the Knicks grabbed 9 offensive rebounds, giving them extra chances that helped push their comeback.
Tactical & Coaching Analysis
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks switched things up and it showed. They cranked up their defense, pushed the ball faster, and let Towns take over when it mattered most. The coach trusted his players to stay aggressive despite the foul trouble, and that trust really paid off down the stretch.
On the other side, the Pacers struggled to find answers. Their defense got sloppy, especially guarding Towns inside, and their offense stalled at critical moments. Missing Nesmith hurt their rotation, and it showed in their late-game execution.
Coaching decisions were crucial for both teams. The Knicks stuck with their core guys even when fouls piled up, showing confidence in their clutch ability. The Pacers’ rotations felt a bit off, especially on defense, which left gaps New York exploited.
Overall, coaching chess played a big role in this close game, and New York’s adjustments in crunch time made all the difference.
Series Outlook & Next Steps
The Knicks now have some momentum after clawing back in Game 3, but they’ll need to keep that energy and tighten up their defense if they want to even the series. Staying aggressive on the boards and limiting turnovers will be key going forward.
For the Pacers, they can’t afford to let injuries or lapses slow them down. They’ll have to fix their 3-point shooting and keep Nesmith healthy if they want to hold onto the lead in Game 4.
Tuesday’s game in Indianapolis will be a big test for both teams. The Pacers want to put the Knicks on the brink, while New York’s aiming to prove they can steal another road win and push this series back to even.
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Can the Knicks tie the series in Game 4?
Henry Philip is the Lead Publisher at VCEMagazine.com, where he delivers in-depth coverage of the sports world — from player stats and game analytics to financial profiles of elite athletes. With a background in sports journalism and data analysis, Henry tracks performance trends and off-field ventures across major leagues like MLB, NFL, NBA, and international football.
Over the years, he has profiled top stars, broken down match-day metrics, and analyzed how athletes build wealth through contracts, sponsorships, and business ventures. His work bridges the gap between on-field performance and off-field financial strategy, helping fans understand the full picture of sports success.
Whether writing about a quarterback’s clutch stats or a baseball legend’s business empire, Henry’s focus is on accuracy, insight, and trusted storytelling.