Following a significant start with two victories in the ongoing Eastern Conference finals, the Indiana Pacers collapsed in their recent Game 3 clash against the New York Knicks. With the historic comeback, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter complemented by Josh Hart’s defensive attack, the Knicks grabbed a 106-100 win, holding the series at 2-1.
The Pacers built a commanding 20-point lead late in the first half, fueled by substantial contributions from Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. However, they struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter, scoring just 20 points and failing to close the game. Losing top defender Aaron Nesmith to injury mid-game further hindered their ability to contain the Knicks’ comeback.
Struggling with poor shooting, especially from three-point range, the Pacers had their lowest scoring output of the playoffs. In the post-game press conference, when reporters asked head coach Rick Carlisle about their offensive weakness in the second half, Carlisle responded, “They had a lot of their better defenders in the game in the second half. That makes it harder.”
Rick Carlisle was asked why he thought the Pacers' offense stalled out in the second half:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 26, 2025
"They had a lot of their better defenders in the game in the second half. That makes it harder." pic.twitter.com/BEZfH5PoJG
Amid the frustrating environment of the game three loss, the Pacers remain focused on regrouping for the next matchup. Head coach Rick Carlisle’s analysis of the teams’ struggles highlighted the tough defense adjustments made by the Knicks. With their strong start to the series, the Pacers remain confident in their ability to bounce back and compete in the next matchup to win.
Fans Reflecting With Their Support For The Indiana Pacers On Social Media After Knicks-Pacers Game 3
Even though the third quarter blunder and a tough loss, Pacers fans remain firmly behind head coach Rick Carlisle. Fans flooded the comment section with different opinions regarding the Game 3 dramatic show.
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A fan supporting Rick Carlisle wrote, “Bro still cooked Thibs even during a loss. I respect it.”
Bro still cooked Thibs even during a loss. I respect it.
— Ricky Delgado (@RickyODelgado) May 26, 2025
Showing respect for Carlisle, A fan commented, “A lot of respect for Carlisle. He’s one of the best in the game. Nice to see Thibs finally going to his bench. Huge game tomorrow night.”
A lot of respect for Carlisle. He’s one of the best in the game. Nice to see Thibs finally going to his bench. Huge game tomorrow night
— Robbie B (@bootman_89) May 26, 2025
Someone pointed out, “That’s why Thibs needs to continue utilizing his bench.”
That’s it.
— EcoPro™ (@EcoPro_x) May 26, 2025
That’s why Thibs needs to continue utilizing his bench.
One tagged Knciks’ official page and said, “even he knows how to win a game. Play fucking Defense”
@nyknicks even he knows how to win a game. Play fucking Defense
— Knicks Nation TV (@knicksnationtv) May 26, 2025
A fan left a long statement by saying, “He knows Hart and Brunson are frauds defensively but at least this is confirmation you bring in Shamet and Wright for the stretches with JB on the bench when you need stops and feel good about KAT leading the offense on the other end.”
He knows Hart and Brunson are frauds defensively but at least this is confirmation you bring in Shamet and Wright for the stretches with JB on the bench when you need stops and feel good about KAT leading the offense on the other end
— Harold “HD” Duncan IV, JD (@happyharry_11) May 26, 2025
Someone agrees with the defensive rotation: “Great rotation on defense throughout that 2nd half.”
Great rotation on defense throughout that 2nd half.
— Shawn Leonardi (@sleo03) May 26, 2025
Here, a fan wrote Carlisle, making “mind games”
he playing mind games
— PEP57 (@PEP57AVE) May 26, 2025
Another fan showing his hatred for Carlisle commented, “he is the only pacer i really dislike.”
he is the only pacer i really dislike
— MCCR2121 (@mcccr2121) May 26, 2025
Despite the Game 3 loss, the Pacers continue to support Coach Rick Carlisle, praising his strategic moves and leadership. While the third quarter struggles were difficult, supporters remain confident in the team’s ability to bounce back with another significant win. As Game 4 is knocking at the door, with Carlisle’s experience and fans’ faith, the Pacers can still compete for the Eastern Conference title.
Also Read: “No Lead Is Safe”: Tom Thibodeau Sends Strong Message After Knicks’ Wild 20-Point Playoff Comeback
