Knicks’ valiant comeback against Pacers falls short with NBA Cup reign likely kaput

INDIANAPOLIS — About a year prior, Jalen Brunson nailed a stepback, game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds against the Pacers.

On Friday night inside the same Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a nearly identical situation presented itself, but coach Mike Brown instead called on Karl-Anthony Towns. Captain Clutch was a decoy on the other side of the court. The result was a fadeaway miss off the rim from KAT, a 106-104 Knicks defeat and probable end to New York’s NBA Cup defense.

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“I thought it was a great shot. I was excited for the opportunity,” Towns told The Post. “I got to make a quick decision. It’s either OG is open on the rip screen and he has an open layup or I get to take the shot. I just was ready for the opportunity. … I’m happy with the follow through. I was happy with the technique. It just wasn’t my day.”

Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on Nov. 13, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks launched an improbable comeback to reach that dramatic conclusion, recovering from an eight-point deficit in the final 90 seconds because Indiana kept coughing up possessions.

With 2.8 seconds remaining, the Pacers threw away an inbounds pass — largely because of Mikal Bridges’ hounding defense — which set up KAT’s opportunity.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks plays defense during a game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on Nov. 13, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

“We needed a 2-pointer. We had executed something like that in practice,” Brown said. “We thought we would gain an advantage with a little rip screen. KAT got a great look. Probably a shot that he makes nine out of 10 times. So I’m okay with it.

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“Karl-Anthony Towns’ big chance bounced off the rim.”

Technically, the Knicks aren’t eliminated from the NBA Cup with an 0-2 record. It’s still theoretically possible to win the group or a wild-card spot with a 2-2 record. But in the NBA Cup’s three-year history, no team has advanced with anything less than a 3-1 mark in the group phase.

The Knicks are the lone squad in their five-team group without a win.

New York…

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Publish date : 2026-11-14 03:16:00

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