Karl-Anthony Towns picked quite the time to ante up his production during the Eastern Conference Finals.
Facing a potential 3-0 deficit to the Pacers — an all but insurmountable gulf — the Knicks star offered a window into his glint skillset, firing off successful efforts from a variety of different distances and angles.
Tom Thibodeau’s side was more than grateful. Fueled by Towns’ heroics, New York — once down by as many as 20 points as Indiana splashed threes and threw down alley-oops — mounted a furious rally against its longtime rivals.
The final result — a 106-100 victory for the Knicks — was all the evidence needed of Towns’ glistening display.
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Here’s what you need to know.
Karl-Anthony Towns stats Game 3 vs. Pacers
- Points: 24
- Rebounds: 15
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 0
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 6
- FG: 8-17
- 3PT: 3-7
- FT: 5-6
Towns was stellar in crunch time for New York, producing points in bunches once the match reached its crescendo. The 29-year-old struggled for much of the game’s first three quarters, partially due to foul trouble. But in the fourth, he was wondrous, making his mark with a blend of paint baskets and step-back efforts.
Towns tallied 24 points on the night, 20 of which came in the final frame. His steady pour of baskets proved especially critical given Jalen Brunson’s toils with fouls.
Brunson exited the game with 7:03 left in the final frame after picking up his fifth foul. At the time, New York held a delicate one-point advantage. Towns proceeded to tally five points in quick succession, a glimpse into many talents. The fact he all but saved the Knicks’ season just two days after being benched for extended time in the 4th quarter of Game 2 speaks to his resolve and Tom Thibodeau’s trust in his star center.
Karl-Anthony Towns 4th Quarter:
– 20 Points
– 8 Rebounds
– 6/9 FG
– 3 3PMThe Big Purr put NY on his back 💪 pic.twitter.com/pwDziCwTc1
— Underdog (@Underdog) May 26, 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns highlights vs. Pacers
Towns conjured up wonder more than a few times against Indiana. New York’s talisman waited a while to get going, but when he did, he was magic.
There were his trifectas, launched from Fort Wayne and South Bend.
KAT HAS 20 POINTS JUST IN THE 4Q 😤
Knicks lead midway through the last frame!
📺 TNT pic.twitter.com/rAPA50NgR4
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
He also found success using his body to create space in the paint.
KAT DOING EVERYTHING FOR NEW YORK RIGHT NOW!
Scores 2 with a tough move inside.
Finds Wright under the basket.5-point game as the 4Q is underway on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/97NbtB0gJn
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
KARL-ANTHONY. TOWNS. AGAIN 🤯
IT’S NOW ONLY A 3-POINT GAME!!!
📺 East Finals G3 on TNT pic.twitter.com/wzSBpGozTQ
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
With 8:02 left in the final frame, Towns took flight, forcing home a poster atop Andrew Nembhard’s weary frame. Towns made sure to chirp at the crowd as he strode to the free throw line.
OH MY GOODNESS KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/UoBuMVBLly
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2025
All told, it was a starring showcase for Towns, one of the league’s more gifted scorers. His acquisition in the offseason came at quite a cost to New York. With performances like Sunday’s, it’s easy to see why Knicks supporters feel like he’s worth every penny — and then some.
