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 trimmed the Knicks’ series lead to 2–1, reigniting the Celtics’ hopes of advancing to the next round.
Celtics Dominate from the Start
Boston set the tone early, establishing a 16-point lead by the end of the first quarter and extending it to 25 points by halftime. Their dominance continued into the third quarter, where they pushed the advantage to as much as 31 points, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Celtics’ offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 48.2% from the field and an impressive 50% from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Knicks struggled, shooting only 40% overall and a dismal 20% from three-point range.
Standout Performances
- Jayson Tatum: The Celtics’ star forward bounced back from earlier struggles, contributing 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. His all-around play was instrumental in Boston’s success.
- Payton Pritchard: Coming off the bench, Pritchard was a spark for the Celtics, leading the team with 23 points and hitting five three-pointers. His scoring off the bench was a significant factor in the game’s outcome.
- Jaylen Brown: Brown added 19 points, showcasing his scoring ability and helping to stretch the Knicks’ defense.
- Derrick White: White contributed 17 points, providing stability and depth to Boston’s lineup.
For the Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson: Brunson led New York with 27 points, though much of his scoring came late when the outcome was already decided.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns added 21 points and 15 rebounds but struggled with his shooting, going 5-for-18 from the field.
Knicks’ Struggles
The Knicks faced challenges on both ends of the court. Their offense was inefficient, particularly from three-point range, and they missed 11 free throws, shooting just 24-of-35. Defensively, they couldn’t contain Boston’s perimeter shooting, allowing 20 three-pointers. OG Anunoby had a particularly tough game, scoring only two points on 1-for-6 shooting. Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the need for renewed defensive focus and resilience ahead of Game 4.
What’s Next
With the series now at 2–1 in favor of the Knicks, both teams will look to adjust and regroup. The Celtics will aim to build on their dominant performance, while the Knicks will need to address their shooting woes and defensive lapses. Game 4 promises to be a crucial matchup as both teams vie for control of the series.
