Down 13 points in the third quarter, the Knicks faced a daunting task against a team in search of the season series victory and crucial positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
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New York fought back from the double-digit deficit in the third frame with a 14-5 run to conclude the period and trimmed Indiana’s lead to just two points.
The Knicks finished strong by outscoring the Pacers 41-22 from the 9:08 mark of the third quarter to the final buzzer. Carmelo Anthony found his groove after a slow start by scoring 15 of his 22 in the fourth period to lift New York to the 87-81 win. He added 13 boards in 41 minutes of action to help New York snap a two-game slide.
Willy Hernangomez was instrumental off the pine with 13 points and a game-high 16 boards. Derrick Rose finished with 16 points.
Kristaps Porzingis was forced to the locker room after suffering a contused left thigh at the 11:25 mark of the fourth quarter. The second-year man posted 11 points and three swats prior to the injury.
Paul George finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.