Celtics Dominate Knicks in Game 3 to Narrow Series Deficit
In a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Boston Celtics delivered a commanding performance, defeating the New York Knicks 115–93 at Madison Square Garden. This victory trims the Knicks’ series lead to 2–1 and reignites Boston’s championship aspirations.
First Quarter: Celtics Set the Tone Early
From the opening tip, Boston exhibited urgency and precision. The Celtics surged ahead with a 36–20 lead by the end of the first quarter, fueled by a blistering 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. This early dominance silenced the home crowd and established a momentum that the Knicks struggled to counter.
Halftime: Boston Extends Lead
By halftime, the Celtics had extended their advantage to 25 points, leading 68–43. This margin marked the largest halftime deficit in Knicks playoff history, underscoring Boston’s offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity. The Celtics’ ball movement and perimeter shooting were particularly noteworthy, as they consistently found open looks and capitalized on them.
Third Quarter: Celtics Maintain Control
Boston continued their dominance in the third quarter, at one point leading by as many as 31 points. Their defense stifled New York’s attempts at a comeback, while their offense remained potent. The Celtics’ ability to maintain intensity on both ends of the floor prevented the Knicks from gaining any significant momentum.
Fourth Quarter: Knicks’ Late Effort Falls Short
In the final quarter, the Knicks attempted to mount a comeback, with Jalen Brunson scoring 27 points, many during this period. However, Boston’s lead proved insurmountable. The Celtics’ bench players stepped up, ensuring that the team’s performance did not wane, and they secured the victory without significant resistance.
Key Performers
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Payton Pritchard (Celtics): Led all scorers with 23 points off the bench, including five three-pointers, providing a significant spark for Boston.
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Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his all-around game and leadership.
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Jaylen Brown (Celtics): Added 19 points, reinforcing the Celtics’ offensive prowess.
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Jalen Brunson (Knicks): Scored 27 points, attempting to rally his team during the second half.
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Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): Recorded 21 points and 15 rebounds but struggled with shooting efficiency.
Coaches’ Insights
Joe Mazzulla (Celtics Head Coach): Praised his team’s resilience and execution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the series.
Tom Thibodeau (Knicks Head Coach): Acknowledged his team’s lackluster performance and stressed the need for improved defense and cohesion moving forward.
Game 4 is scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden, where the Celtics will aim to even the series, and the Knicks will look to regain their footing. Both teams understand the significance of the upcoming game, as it could be a turning point in this tightly contested series.
