Pacers Stun Fans with Heartbreaking Collapse in Game 3 Against Knicks

In a turn of events that left Indiana Pacers fans reeling, Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks ended in a devastating 106-100 loss on May 25, 2025. What started as a commanding 20-point lead for the Pacers crumbled in the final quarter, igniting fierce debates and raw emotions among supporters. As the playoff series takes a dramatic turn, this collapse has become the talk of the basketball world. Why did this happen, and what does it mean for the Pacers’ championship dreams? Let’s dive into the rollercoaster of events.

A Storied Rivalry and High Stakes

The Pacers-Knicks rivalry is etched in NBA history, with epic battles from the 1990s still vivid in fans’ memories. For the Pacers, this series represents a chance to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. However, their historical struggle on days coinciding with the Indianapolis 500—now holding an 0-4 record—adds a layer of superstition and frustration to this loss. Leading 2-0 in the series, the Pacers seemed poised to dominate, but Game 3 flipped the narrative.

Timeline of a Dramatic Series

The road to Game 3 was paved with promise for the Pacers. On May 22, 2025, they clinched Game 1 with a thrilling 121-117 overtime victory. Two days later, on May 24, they secured a 114-109 win in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, taking a commanding lead. But on May 25, during the celebratory ‘Pacers and Racers’ doubleheader alongside the Indy 500, disaster struck. A 20-point lead evaporated as the Knicks mounted a historic comeback, leaving fans in disbelief.

The Heartbreaking Collapse in Game 3

The final quarter of Game 3 will haunt Pacers fans for years. With Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 20 of his 24 points in the fourth, the Knicks engineered a stunning turnaround. As reported by Hindustan Times, this was one of the most shocking comebacks in recent playoff memory. Relive the intensity of the final moments in this must-watch clip:

For a full recap of the game’s turning points, check out these highlights:

Voices from the Game: Shock and Reflection

The media captured the raw emotion of this loss. An AP Sports Reporter noted,

“Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, engineering one of the most stunning playoff comebacks in recent memory.”

Meanwhile, an ESPN Analyst pointed out a troubling trend for the Pacers via ESPN, stating,

“Indiana's inability to protect big leads could haunt them – this marks their third blown double-digit advantage in the postseason.”

Could this recurring collapse signal deeper issues for the team?

Emotional Fallout for Fans and Team

For Indianapolis sports fans, the sting of this loss cuts deep, especially on a day meant for celebration with the Indy 500. The heartbreak echoes past playoff disappointments, while debates over coaching decisions and player performance under pressure dominate conversations. As Knicks fans revel in reviving the ‘90s-era rivalry, Pacers supporters are left grappling with frustration and fury. Will this loss be a breaking point, or can the team rally back?

Conclusion

✔️ The Pacers’ collapse in Game 3 after a 20-point lead has shifted the momentum of the Eastern Conference Finals.
✔️ With fans heartbroken and analysts pointing to systemic issues, the team faces immense pressure to rebound in the next game.