Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau says no lead is safe after stunning Indiana Pacers in Game 3

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said no lead is safe after they stunned the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night. The Pacers were leading by 20 points at one stage and the Knicks had their season on the ropes before they entered the final quarter of the game as they were trailing by 2-0.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, matching Indiana’s entire sco in that frame. The Knicks outscored the Pacers by 36-20 in the final quarter to take the third game of the series by 106-100 to make it 1-2.

“I know you guys roll your eyes when I say no lead is safe, but no lead is safe,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

Josh Hart revealed Thibodeau’s strategy and how the team reacted when they had their backs against the wall.

“I think at first, it kind of took [our group] a little bit to figure out what we were going to do offensively. But that unit was full of guys who have been in the league and who know how to play basketball,” Hart said of players such as Shamet and Wright, who haven’t played much this postseason. “It’s huge to have guys who stay ready. It doesn’t matter the situation. That’s exactly why you stay ready.”

“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 a position to win,” said Towns, who finished with a game-high 24 points. He shot 6-of-9 and added 8 rebounds in the final frame.

“It’s an emotional game, it’s a long game. Things can happen, things can not go your way. You can easily crash out, or you can respond the right way,” Brunson, who scored the go-ahead basket in the last few minutes of the game, said.

The fourth game of the series will be played on Tuesday.