Celtics' 20-Three-Pointer Explosion Sinks Knicks In Game 3

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Celtics' 20-Three-Pointer Explosion Sinks Knicks in Game 3: Boston Takes Command of Series

The Boston Celtics unleashed a barrage of three-pointers in Game 3, sinking a franchise playoff record 20 triples en route to a dominant 109-97 victory over the New York Knicks. This explosive offensive performance gives Boston a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, putting them on the brink of eliminating the Knicks and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. The game highlighted Boston's improved shooting and strategic prowess, leaving Knicks fans and analysts questioning their team's ability to mount a comeback.

A Record-Breaking Performance Fuels Celtics Dominance

The sheer volume of three-pointers made by the Celtics was breathtaking. Twenty makes from beyond the arc is not just a playoff record for the franchise; it's a testament to their improved shooting consistency and the Knicks' struggles to defend the perimeter. Jayson Tatum led the charge, showcasing his all-around brilliance with 32 points, while Jaylen Brown added 28 points, proving the duo's ability to consistently outperform expectations in high-pressure situations. Malcolm Brogdon's 18 points off the bench further highlighted the Celtics' deep bench and offensive firepower.

Knicks' Defensive Struggles Expose Vulnerability

The Knicks, known for their strong defensive identity during the regular season, simply couldn't contain the Celtics' offensive onslaught. Their perimeter defense was consistently exploited, leading to wide-open looks for Boston's sharpshooters. While Jalen Brunson put up a valiant 30 points, it wasn't enough to counteract the Celtics' overwhelming offensive efficiency. The Knicks' inability to adapt their defensive strategy proved to be a critical factor in their defeat. This raises questions about their ability to effectively defend high-powered offensive teams, a crucial aspect needed to advance further in the playoffs.

Series Implications and Road Ahead

With a commanding 3-0 lead, the Celtics are firmly in control of the series. Historically, NBA teams holding a 3-0 advantage have an extremely high probability of winning the series. The Knicks now face a near-impossible task of winning four consecutive games to avoid elimination. While the Knicks showed flashes of their potential, their consistent defensive lapses and inability to match the Celtics' three-point shooting leave a daunting challenge for Game 4.

What's Next for the Celtics and Knicks?

The Celtics will look to continue their momentum and close out the series in Game 4. Their focus will likely remain on maintaining their sharpshooting prowess and continuing their defensive intensity. Meanwhile, the Knicks face a crucial crossroads. They need a significant shift in their defensive approach, possibly experimenting with different defensive schemes, to stand any chance of extending the series. This series is a clear illustration of the importance of perimeter defense in the modern NBA playoffs. Can the Knicks find the answers they need? Or will the Celtics cruise to the Conference Finals? Only time will tell.

Keywords: Celtics, Knicks, NBA Playoffs, Game 3, Three-Pointers, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Playoffs Record, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA, Basketball, Sports News

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