Indiana Pacers Star Takes Blame For Game 3 Collapse

The Knicks rallied in the second half, and the Pacers had a hard time stopping them. They allowed New York’s star big man Karl-Anthony Towns to score 20 points in the fourth quarter, which played a significant role in their comeback.

Following the contest, Haliburton took the blame for his offensive difficulties in the second half, which did not benefit the team.

“Obviously a 42 point half isn’t us,” Haliburton said, via Tyler Smith of Indy Sports Legends on X. “A lot of our offensive struggles in the 2nd half were due to me. I’ve got to be better, and I will be better in Game 4.”

In the final two quarters, Haliburton had 11 points, three assists and a steal. The two-time All-Star shot 44.4 percent from the field and made only one of his four attempts from deep.

While it’s not an overall terrible game, his performance was overshadowed by Towns’ significant rally in the fourth.

The Pacers have another chance to protect their home court on Tuesday for Game 4.

The Indiana Pacers star credited the Knicks’ bench players

Depth has proven to be a significant influence in the postseason for both teams. The Indiana Pacers have serviceable players in the second unit, like T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard. However, the Knicks’ bench unit, led by Josh Hart and Miles McBride, has been sensational in Game 3.

During his postgame presser, Haliburton credited New York’s bench unit, which turned things around for them.

“All four of the guys that played off the bench are defensive guys, and they come in and wreak havoc. I thought we just didn’t do a good job of continuing to play fast. I feel like I did a poor job of keeping pace in the game. Especially in the fourth there. I felt like I was walking the ball up every play,” he said.

Hart, McBride and Landry Shamet (who played for the first time in the series on Sunday) dictated the defense for the Knicks while the starters rested. Between the three players, they had three steals.