{"id":58013,"date":"2025-05-26T19:43:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T19:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/58013\/"},"modified":"2025-05-26T19:43:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T19:43:20","slug":"nba-starting-5-may-28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/58013\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Starting 5 May 28"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The No Quit Knicks do it again.<\/p>\n

KAT ignites another 20-point New York rally to take Game 3 of the East Finals.<\/p>\n

\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Another One: KAT sparks a historic Knicks comeback to cut their series deficit to 2-1<\/p>\n

New York Grit: With their season on the line, the Knicks\u2019 depth delivered<\/p>\n

Pack Clawing Back: Wolves ride Game 3 momentum into tonight\u2019s pivotal Game 4<\/p>\n

Rookie Spark: Terrence Shannon Jr. wasn\u2019t just ready for Game 3 \u2013 he changed it<\/p>\n

Ready To Respond: How OKC looks to reestablish its identity tonight<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

A massive Game 4 in Minnesota\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

Game 4 of the West Finals tips off tonight (8:30 ET, ESPN<\/a>), as Anthony Edwards and the Wolves look to even the series at 2-2 against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Thunder.<\/p>\n

1. TOWNS POWERS EPIC KNICKS RALLY IN GAME 3\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

After dropping Game 2 of the East Finals, Karl-Anthony Towns was asked about the Knicks\u2019 mindset, with history showing teams down 2-0 in the Playoffs have lost the series 92.3% of the time.<\/p>\n

His response was clear:<\/p>\n

KAT: \u201cWhat did I [tell] y\u2019all about with the word history? I\u2019m not here to repeat it \u2013 we\u2019re here to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Game 3, staring at a 3-0 deficit on the road, Towns and the Knicks did exactly that.<\/p>\n

Knicks 106, Pacers 100: After trailing 55-35 in the 2nd quarter, Towns (24 pts, 15 reb) sparked yet another 20-point Knicks rally<\/a>, as they stormed back in the 2nd half to stun Tyrese Haliburton (20 pts, 7 ast, 3 stl) and the Pacers on their home floor, cutting New York\u2019s series deficit to 2-1. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Historic Playoffs: Entering 2025, there had been 21 20+ point Playoff comebacks in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98). This year alone has seen six
\nHistoric Heart: Three of those comebacks have been completed by one team \u2013 the New York Knicks \u2013 breaking a tie with this year\u2019s Pacers for the most in a single postseason in the PxP era
\n\u201cNever Quit Mentality\u201d<\/a>: New York is now 6-1 on the road this postseason, matching its franchise record (1999) for the most road wins in a single Playoff run<\/p>\n

\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

David L. Nemec\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In a building where it was 0-9 all-time in Playoff games, New York looked on as Indy sent Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a frenzy with a 13-0 run in the 2nd quarter to go up 20.<\/p>\n

But the Knicks never blinked. They trimmed the deficit to 13 entering the half, then to 10 entering the 4th \u2013 where Towns took over.<\/p>\n

KAT Catches Fire: After scoring four points in the opening three quarters, Towns scored 12 points in the first 3:25 of the 4th, capped by a 3 to cut New York\u2019s deficit to one
\nThen? A momentum-shifting poster<\/a> for three the hard way, giving the Knicks their first lead since the 1st quarter \u2b07\ufe0f
\nKan\u2019t Miss: After trading buckets, it was KAT who was responsible for the game\u2019s final lead change, hitting two free throws and a 31-foot stepback triple to put New York up four<\/p>\n

\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

Big Impact: Towns finished with 20 points<\/a> and eight boards in the 4th, marking the highest-scoring quarter of his postseason career.<\/p>\n

In the last 25 years, only one other player has posted such a statline in the 4th quarter of a Playoff game \u2013 Dirk Nowitzki in 2006.<\/p>\n

One Of Two: Towns is also just the second Knick in the PxP era to score 20+ points in the 4th quarter of a postseason game
\nThe First? Jalen Brunson in Game 1 of last year\u2019s Playoff series against the Pacers. The Captain added a tiebreaking floater<\/a> with 1:17 left and two late free throws to ice the game Sunday
\n\u201cI just wanted to do whatever it takes to help put us in a position to win,\u201d said KAT postgame. \u201cThis is a great team win. But we know we need to be better than we were tonight to get another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next: After 3 straight classics \u2014 all won by road teams \u2014 in the series, the Knicks stay in Indy for a shot to even the series on Tuesday in Game 4 (8 ET, TNT).<\/p>\n

2. KNICKS\u2019 DEPTH DELIVERS DOWN THE STRETCH<\/p>\n

\"Delon<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In Games 1 and 2, Towns and Brunson carried the scoring load for New York, combining for 79 and 55 points. But the Knicks still came up short.<\/p>\n

In Game 3, their combined total dropped to 47. Yet the Knicks pulled off the first 20-point comeback in the Conference Finals since 2017.<\/p>\n

The difference? A complete team effort fueled by heart and unselfishness \u2013 two keys powering the Knicks\u2019 \u2018No Quit\u2019 mentality all season.<\/p>\n

Starting Spark: For the first time this postseason, Mitchell Robinson got the start for New York, anchoring a defense that held Indy to a Playoff-low in both points and 2nd-half FG% (36.8)
\nWinning Wings: OG Anunoby (16 pts, 3 blk, 1 stl) and Mikal Bridges (15 pts, 2 stl) also came up big defensively while combining for 31 points
\nBench Boost: Miles McBride (9 pts) and Josh Hart (8 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl) led the bench, which saw Delon Wright (13 mins, 2 pts, 1 ast) and Landry Shamet (11 mins, 3 pts, 2 ast) step up in their first minutes of the series<\/p>\n

\"Knicks\"<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

NY Resolve: After entering the break down 13, New York outscored Indiana 61-42 in the 2nd half, with its bench chipping in 15 points compared to the Pacers\u2019 two.<\/p>\n

But perhaps no stretch epitomized the Knicks\u2019 top-to-bottom resilience more than when Brunson left the game with five fouls and just 7:03 left.<\/p>\n

Depth Delivers: With the Kia Clutch Player in foul trouble and their season on the line, the Knicks\u2019 depth came through, beginning with a personal 5-0 run from Towns to take the lead
\nMore Answers: After a Pascal Siakam bucket, Bridges responded with a pair of free throws. Then Anunoby came up with a big block on the other end, leading to a trip to the line for McBride, who also knocked down both
\nWhen McBride subbed out for Brunson, 1:37 remained. The Knicks had gone over five minutes without their star and held a one-point lead
\nTwenty seconds later, following a Siakam free throw, a well-rested Brunson made his mark \u2013 splashing the tiebreaking floater to give New York a two-point lead it never relinquished<\/p>\n

\"Josh<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The game-sealing play, however, came from the man swapped out of the starting lineup for Robinson. After forcing a Pacers miss on the ensuing possession, Josh Hart outleaped a sea of bodies for the rebound, drawing a foul in the process to earn two free throws with 19 ticks left.<\/p>\n

He calmly hit both to put the Knicks up four, as they walked out of Indy with their series deficit split in half.<\/p>\n

Stepping Up: The Knicks finished the night +12 with Brunson on the bench \u2014 their best mark since February \u2013 and outscored Indy 36-20 in the 4th to secure the win
\n\u201cThis team is special,\u201d said Towns postgame. \u201cThat locker room is special. For us to have the grittiness that we have, it\u2019s because of the characters and the personalities and the sacrifices in that locker room that everyone is willing to make.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. WOLVES LOOK TO TIE WEST FINALS TONIGHT<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

David Berding\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

After two road losses, the Timberwolves rallied in front of a roaring home crowd in Game 3, firing from deep and controlling the paint to gain a foothold in the West Finals.<\/p>\n

Tonight (8:30 ET, ESPN), Anthony Edwards and the Wolves will look to carry that momentum into Game 4, where they have a chance to send the series back to OKC tied 2-2.<\/p>\n

The Keys: The Wolves are 3-0 this season (reg+post) when holding their opponent to under 41% shooting and making over 20 3s, as they did in Game 3
\nControlling Thunder: Minnesota is one of three teams to beat OKC twice this season (HOU, DEN), holding the Thunder to 118 ppg \u2013 the lowest of the three
\nEyeing History:\u00a0Of the 177 teams that went down 2-0 on the road in a Best of 7 series, then had the chance to tie it up at home in Game 4, 88 did so (49.7%)<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Minnesota will look to become team No. 89, with Edwards once again leading the charge.<\/p>\n

Ant Ignition: Edwards dropped 16 points in the 1st quarter of Game 3, marking his 20th quarter with 16+ points this season. In those games, the Wolves are 17-3
\nWinning Number: Edwards finished with 30 on the night, improving Minnesota\u2019s record to 24-7 this season when he drops 30+
\n\u201cHe\u2019s learning so fast and seeing so much,\u201d said Wolves coach Chris Finch of Ant. \u201cHe\u2019s more comfortable out there in what he\u2019s trying to do.\u201d
\n\u201cJust keep trusting it,\u201d Edwards said on his approach to the game. \u201cThat\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. HOW TERRENCE SHANNON JR. ANSWERED THE CALL<\/p>\n

\"Terrence<\/p>\n

David Sherman\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Entering Saturday, Terrence Shannon Jr. had played just 20 minutes this postseason and two in the West Finals.<\/p>\n

But in the 2nd quarter of Game 3, with his team looking to avoid going down 3-0, the rookie\u2019s number got called \u2013 and he was ready.<\/p>\n

Instant Energy: Nine seconds into the quarter, Shannon Jr. got the ball for the first time. Instead of settling for a contested corner 3, he pump faked, attacked the cup, drew contact and dropped in a floater \u2013 and-1
\nTwenty seconds later, the ball found his hands again, and he wasted no time: dribble, dribble, pull-up, splash
\nWhen the rookie went to sit back down, he did so to a standing ovation. He had scored 9 points in just over four minutes, sparking a 12-6 run to put the Wolves up 26
\n\u201cWe knew we would need him in this series and coach has a lot of trust in him,\u201d Julius Randle said on Shannon Jr. postgame. \u201cHe brought a lot of energy and intensity. He was just huge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Terrence<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Shannon Jr. finished the game with 15 points in 13 minutes. But it wasn\u2019t just his scoring that made a difference. It was his aggression, his energy and his impact on both ends.<\/p>\n

Meeting The Moment: Shannon Jr.\u2019s 15 points are his third-highest total of the season and his most in a win since Feb. 24
\nProtecting the Pack: In his 13 minutes, he posted an 87.1 DefRtg \u2013 the third best among all those who played 10+ minutes in the win
\n\u201cYou\u2019re definitely going to see him more,\u201d said coach Finch postgame. \u201cHe\u2019s going to bring energy and competitiveness, that\u2019s what we really love about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 27th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, TSJ flashed with a poster jam in Summer League<\/a>, before averaging 4.3 ppg in just over 10 minutes this regular season. But despite the limited minutes, he\u2019s always shown up against OKC.<\/p>\n

Lightning Jolt: In the regular season and postseason, Shannon Jr. has logged 18.4 mpg against the Thunder while averaging 10.8 ppg
\nDefensive Plus: The Wolves are now +18 in his minutes versus OKC this season, holding Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams and SGA to a combined 6-of-13 shooting
\n\u201cI always worked,\u201d said Shannon Jr. after Saturday\u2019s win. \u201cI always stayed ready for when my name was called. And I\u2019ll be ready when it\u2019s called again.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. OKC LOOKS TO ANSWER AFTER RARE LOSS<\/p>\n

\"Thunder\"<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The first two games of the West Finals didn\u2019t see a single double-digit lead in the 1st half.<\/p>\n

In Game 3, the Wolves broke that pattern \u2013 quick and decisively.<\/p>\n

First Jab: Within seven minutes of Saturday\u2019s game, Minnesota claimed the first double digit 1st-half lead of the series, jumping out to a 21-9 advantage
\n1st-Quarter Haymaker: By the end of the frame, the Wolves were up 20 \u2013 marking the Thunder\u2019s largest deficit after a 1st quarter all season
\n\u201cThey blitzed us pretty early and we were never able to get back because of it,\u201d said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander postgame. \u201cThey came out with a sense of urgency and we didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

All-Out Start: Minnesota limited SGA to two points in the opening frame, while Anthony Edwards single-handedly outscored OKC 16-14. But Minnesota\u2019s early blitz \u2013 and big win \u2013 didn\u2019t start with buckets, it began with hustle.<\/p>\n

Muscle: After getting outrebounded in both Games 1 and 2, the Wolves won the rebounding battle 50-31 in Game 3
\nMayhem: They also recorded 17 deflections to OKC\u2019s 10, forcing more steals than the Thunder for the first time this series. That included three swipes in the opening quarter, which contributed to five OKC turnovers
\n\u201cEnergy plays and little plays like loose balls add up, especially early in the game,\u201d said SGA postgame. \u201cThey\u2019re at home, their crowd\u2019s behind it and then they get comfortable \u2026 It\u2019s all a trickle effect, but it starts with playing with energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

OKC\u2019s offensive surges often start on the defensive end, where it produced 53 points off turnovers in Games 1 & 2 compared to Minnesota\u2019s 20. But on Saturday, the Thunder struggled to get stops, and their offense never clicked.<\/p>\n

SGA: \u201cWe were taking the ball out of the net the majority of the game, so they can get back and set up their defense. I don\u2019t care who you are, in the NBA against a good defense, it\u2019s hard to score when they\u2019re set.\u201d
\n\u201cTheir force was better than our physicality and pressure, things that we typically do well,\u201d added OKC coach Mark Daigneault. \u201cWe\u2019ll address it and be a better team.\u201d<\/p>\n

OKC knows how to answer, with an NBA-best 15-2 record following a loss this season, including a 3-0 mark this postseason. In those games, SGA is averaging 31.7 ppg on 55.9% shooting and the Thunder are scoring 123.5 ppg.<\/p>\n

But the Kia MVP said it all about their hustle and mindset.<\/p>\n

\u201c[When] you get punched, it\u2019s about getting back up \u2013 it\u2019s about responding,\u201d said SGA on Saturday. \u201cThat\u2019s what the next challenge is \u2026 but it starts with playing with energy and being focused.\u201d<\/p>\n