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Pacers One Step Closer to NBA Finals as Game 3 Heads to Indy
The Indiana Pacers have found a groove—and with it, a golden opportunity. After stealing Games 1 and 2 on the road, they return home to Indianapolis with a 2-0 lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. With just two more wins, Indiana would reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
Game 3 tips off Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win puts the Pacers on the verge of a sweep. A Knicks victory gives New York hope to turn the series around. Either way, expect fireworks in Indy.
Pacers Embrace “Pick-Your-Hero” Mentality
What’s made Indiana dangerous in this series isn’t just their scoring—it’s the unpredictability of where it comes from.
In Game 1, it was Tyrese Haliburton (31 points, 11 assists) and Aaron Nesmith (30 points, 8-for-9 from three) who did the damage in a wild 138-135 overtime win. In Game 2, it was Pascal Siakam’s turn, going off for 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting in a 114-109 victory.
“We’re not consumed with who scores. We just read the game,” Siakam said afterward. “It’s going to take all of us to get where we want to go.”
Want more insights into Pacers player performances? Visit the NBA Team Page.
Haliburton Expects Raucous Home Crowd
With the game falling right after the iconic Indianapolis 500, the crowd is expected to be electric—and potentially rowdy.
“I’ve been to the 500. It’s crazy. So I can’t imagine all those people then coming over to Gainbridge,” Haliburton joked. “It’s going to be a special time.”
Indiana now gets two chances to close out the series at home—Game 3 on Sunday and Game 4 on Tuesday—but head coach Rick Carlisle is keeping the team focused.
“You cannot assume going home is easier. It never is,” Carlisle warned. “Each game gets harder.”
For expert series projections and match previews, check out the NBA Expert Betting Guide.
Knicks Searching for a Way Back Into the Series
No one can question Jalen Brunson’s heart. The Knicks guard has poured in 43 and 36 points in the first two games and is doing all he can to keep New York afloat.
“It’s going to take one game at a time,” Brunson said, trying to rally his teammates. “We can’t look ahead. We can’t think about anything other than Game 3.”
Brunson had a chance to tie Game 2 with a three-pointer in the final seconds but missed. Still, he added 11 assists and remains the engine of New York’s offense.
Stay updated with his prop trends on the NBA Odds Page.
Defensive Concerns Loom Large
New York has a problem—and it’s more than just offense. Defensively, the Knicks couldn’t contain Indiana’s ball movement or scoring depth. Complicating things further, Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to stay on the court due to foul issues and defensive miscues.
That opened the door for Mitchell Robinson, who logged 29 minutes off the bench and recorded six points, nine boards, and three blocks. His performance caught the eye of teammate Josh Hart.
“We have to figure out ways he can play more,” Hart said. “We’re great with him on. We all need to sacrifice.”
Looking for Knicks team rotations and matchup previews? Check out the NBA Pick Page.
Every Play, Every Point
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Game 3: A Must-Win for New York
Falling behind 3-0 in a best-of-seven series is nearly a death sentence in the NBA. That’s what makes Sunday’s Game 3 absolutely critical for the Knicks. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA playoff history.
Brunson doesn’t want finger-pointing. He wants solutions.
“We can point fingers and say this is wrong or that’s wrong, but collectively, we’ve got to get it together.”
It’s gut-check time for New York.
Explore postseason futures on the NBA Championship Blog.
What to Watch for in Game 3
Can Indiana keep their scoring balance?
Three different players have led the Pacers in scoring across two games. That unpredictability makes them tough to scout.
Will Brunson get support?
He’s done everything he can. Now it’s time for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, or someone else to step up.
Will Mitchell Robinson see extended minutes?
His impact was clear in Game 2. If he can stay out of foul trouble, he could be key in slowing Siakam.
Will the crowd fuel or fluster Indiana?
With post-500 energy pouring into Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it might be the loudest crowd the Pacers have seen in decades.
For division-based odds and playoff breakdowns, don’t miss:
FAQs
When is Game 3 of the Pacers vs Knicks series?
Sunday night in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
What is the series score?
The Pacers lead 2-0 after winning both games in New York.
Who has been the top scorer for Indiana?
Pascal Siakam led Game 2 with 39 points, while Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith starred in Game 1.
What’s Jalen Brunson’s playoff scoring average in this series?
He’s averaging 39.5 points across two games.
Why is Game 3 so important?
If the Pacers win, they’ll go up 3-0, a lead no team has ever blown in NBA history.
Where can I find betting tips for this game?
Check out the full NBA Expert Betting Guide for picks and props.
