From the Brink to Belief: Knicks, KAT, and the Power of Game 3 Momentum

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Game 3 isn’t just another playoff checkpoint — it’s where narratives shift, stars rise, and the ghosts of 0–2 deficits get exorcised.

This weekend, both the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves clawed their way back into the NBA Playoffs with series-saving wins. But these weren’t just victories. They were declarations.

As broken down in Episode 32 of Harrison Talks Pod, this Game 3 double-feature gave us gutsy performances, wild momentum swings, and maybe even a glimpse into the death of the superteam era.

From Desperation to Dominance: Why Game 3 Matters

Since 2000, only 8% of teams down 0–2 have come back to win a series. But if they take Game 3? That win rate jumps to over 30%.

For the Knicks and Wolves, Game 3 wasn’t just survival. It was a statement of intent.

Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3: “From Collapse to Comeback”

Final: Knicks 109, Pacers 104
In Game 1, the Knicks blew a 20-point lead and got mocked for it.
In Game 3? The Knicks erased a 20-point deficit and stunned Indiana on their own floor.

  • Second-half scoring: Knicks outscored Indiana 58–38

  • McBride’s Impact: A personal 7-point run to end Q3 changed the game’s tempo

  • Bench Net Rating: +18 during McBride-led minutes

  • Defensive Clamps: The McBride/Shamet/Wright trio held the Pacers to just 0.83 PPP in the 4th

Even with Brunson struggling (6-for-18, 35% usage), the Knicks found a way. That’s culture. That’s coaching.

KAT’s Fourth-Quarter Flame: “He Put Belt to Ass”

Karl-Anthony Towns, often criticized for playoff inconsistency, delivered one of the most dominant quarters of the entire postseason.

  • Q4 Shot Chart: 6-of-7 FG, 2 threes, 6 free throws

  • 20 points in Q4, outscoring the Pacers entire team (18)

  • Clutch +11 plus/minus

  • Games 1–2 vs. Game 3: From 13 PPG on 38% → 24 points on 65%

Momentum Shifts: Why 2–1 Feels Like a Whole New Series

  • Teams down 2–1 who win Game 4 at home? Win 64% of those series

  • Game 3 wins aren’t just statistical swings, they’re psychological resets

  • Stars loosen up. Coaches trust deeper rotations. Fans start to believe.

The Death of the Superteam Era?

Neither the Knicks nor the Wolves are built like your classic superteam. No three-headed monsters. No max-contract collections.

They’re deep, gritty, and defensive-minded.

  • Knicks: 4 playoff series wins in the last 3 seasons after winning only 3 from 2000–2020

  • Wolves: From annual chaos to legit Finals threats

These aren’t anomalies, they’re blueprints.

Join the Conversation – Only on Harrison Talks Pod

Want to hear the full breakdown, fan debates, and unfiltered playoff takes?
🎧 Catch Episode 32 of Harrison Talks Pod on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your pods.

Hot Listener Questions We Dive Into:

  • Who would you rather have in a Game 7: Brunson or Haliburton?

  • Is KAT finally playoff-proof?

  • Are refs impacting playoff narratives more than star players?

  • Is Knicks–Pacers the best modern Eastern rivalry?


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