Karl-Anthony Towns clutch as New York Knicks beat Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have yet to find an answer for Karl-Anthony Towns in the Eastern Conference Finals.

In Sunday’s 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks, Towns erupted for 20 points in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, flipping an 80-70 Pacers lead into a 94-90 deficit with 5:10 remaining.

The Pacers' defence could do little to stop the Knicks centre, who, despite a quiet start to the game, took over when it mattered most.

Indiana’s offence, which had shown promise, began to falter midway through the third quarter, and as Knicks star Jalen Brunson sat with foul trouble, Towns seized the opportunity.

“He went on the run,” Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said. “We’ve got to shut that off.”

Towns, who was limited to just four points at the end of the third quarter, had already been a thorn in the Pacers’ side this season.

He scored 30 points in a regular-season matchup and put up 40 in a game that saw Brunson struggle with foul issues in February.

Towns’ dominance continued in Game 1, where he scored 35 points in the Knicks' loss.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his star’s versatile scoring ability: "He can score at three different levels.

He’s comfortable at the 3-point line, he’s comfortable putting it on the floor, he’s comfortable playing back to the basket, as long as he stays aggressive."

While Towns was frustrated by foul trouble through the first three quarters, he turned up the intensity in the fourth.

“I just saw an opportunity,” Towns said. “An opportunity to utilise all those hours that I put into the gym. The game wasn’t looking great for me, but for all of us. I just wanted to do whatever it takes to help put us in position to win.”

Towns’ scoring came from beyond the arc and off the dribble. His first three-pointer of the fourth quarter came 20 seconds in, and he knocked down two more to push New York ahead.

“He’s got a hair trigger,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. “You think you’re close enough to him, and he just flicks the wrist.”

Despite efforts from Myles Turner, Siakam, and Tony Bradley to challenge Towns, the Pacers had no answer for his explosive play. Turner, Indiana’s shot-blocking centre, played Towns physically, but the Knicks big man was too much to contain.

For a brief seven-minute stretch, it didn’t matter who was on Towns.

“Fourth quarter’s different,” Towns said. “It’s like a whole ‘nother game.”

The Pacers had no answer for Towns' scoring surge, which included five free throws and several contested layups.

Indiana’s inability to respond offensively, managing only 42 points in the second half, left them trailing late in the game.

“We probably fouled too much down there,” Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said. “He can see over guys, he’s 7-foot, he’s a big dude. We’ve got to get up, and do a better job of showing help in the gaps.”

While Haliburton’s comments point to defensive lapses, Siakam highlighted the need for offensive improvement. The Pacers must respond to Towns' dominance with their own scoring if they are to close out this series.

"We've got to be better on both sides of the ball," Siakam said.

With Towns proving that he can take advantage of any opening, the Pacers will need to refocus and regain their composure for Game 4 on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

The Pacers' margin for error is shrinking, and they must find a way to slow down Towns to maintain their series lead.

Next Game: The Pacers face the Knicks in Game 4 on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, live on TNT.