In a tense Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Indiana Pacers secured a vital 111-106 victory over the New York Knicks, narrowing the series to 2-1 in favor of the Knicks.
Tyrese Haliburton, despite battling injuries, showcased his resilience by contributing 35 points and seven assists, including pivotal plays down the stretch. With the game tied and pressure mounting, Haliburton found Andrew Nembhard, who drilled a clutch 31-foot three-pointer with 16 seconds remaining, ultimately sealing the win for the Pacers.
Andrew Nembhard knocks down the three to take the lead with 16 seconds remaining 😱 pic.twitter.com/CLDUjEoqr2
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 11, 2024
Nembhard, who had been scoreless until that crucial moment, redeemed himself with the game-winning shot, highlighting the Pacers’ ability to perform under pressure. Pascal Siakam delivered a strong performance with 26 points and seven rebounds, while Myles Turner added 21 points and 10 rebounds.
On the Knicks’ side, Donte DiVincenzo led the scoring with 35 points, shooting an impressive 7 of 11 from beyond the arc. Jalen Brunson contributed 26 points, despite playing through a right foot injury. However, Brunson admitted to a critical error in judgment during the game’s closing moments, hindering the Knicks’ chances of victory.
Alec Burks, stepping up in the absence of injured players, notably OG Anunoby, provided a spark off the bench with 14 points in 21 minutes of play.
The Pacers, desperate for a win after surrendering leads in previous games, capitalized on their home court advantage, buoyed by the energy of the crowd. Haliburton’s relentless effort, coupled with timely contributions from teammates, propelled the Pacers to victory, offering a glimmer of hope in the series.
With Game 4 looming, both teams are poised for another intense matchup as the Pacers aim to level the series on their home turf.
