Pacers Edge Knicks 111-106 with Late Nembhard Three, Cut Series Lead to 2-1

In a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Indiana Pacers secured a crucial 111-106 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night. The win narrows the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.

Despite facing physical challenges, Tyrese Haliburton demonstrated resilience, contributing 35 points and seven assists, marking his second consecutive playoff career high. Haliburton's performance was pivotal, particularly in the final minutes of the game.

With just 16 seconds remaining on the clock, Andrew Nembhard seized the moment, sinking a 31-foot three-pointer to break the tie and secure the win for the Pacers. Nembhard's clutch shot capped off his otherwise quiet performance, redeeming himself after being scoreless for much of the game.

Pascal Siakam added 26 points and seven rebounds, while Myles Turner notched a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, bolstering the Pacers' offensive effort.

On the Knicks' side, Donte DiVincenzo led the scoring with 35 points, showcasing his accuracy from beyond the arc with 7 of 11 three-pointers. However, despite DiVincenzo's efforts, the Knicks fell short in the closing moments of the game.

Knicks' star player Jalen Brunson, playing through a right foot injury, contributed 26 points and six rebounds. However, his missed opportunity in the final seconds, failing to tie the game with a three-pointer, proved costly for New York.

The absence of starting forward OG Anunoby due to an injured left hamstring further challenged the Knicks, who have already lost key players like Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mitchell Robinson to season-ending injuries.

The Pacers' victory came after facing deficits in the first two games of the series, highlighting their resilience and determination to stay competitive. With a perfect 4-0 record at home this postseason, Indiana looks to capitalize on their home court advantage in Game 4 on Sunday.

Both teams showcased their competitive spirit throughout the game, with the Pacers ultimately emerging victorious thanks to Nembhard's clutch three-pointer and solid defensive stops in the final moments.

Despite the loss, Knicks' coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the Pacers' performance, particularly Nembhard's game-winning shot, emphasizing the importance of making tough plays in critical moments.

As the series progresses, both teams will look to make adjustments and capitalize on opportunities as they vie for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals.