Game 3 Recap: Celtics' Dominant 3-Point Shooting Buries Knicks

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Game 3 Recap: Celtics' Dominant 3-Point Shooting Buries Knicks

The Boston Celtics delivered a decisive blow to the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, securing a commanding 109-97 victory. The game wasn't just a win; it was a demonstration of masterful 3-point shooting that left the Knicks reeling and facing a near-insurmountable uphill battle. The Celtics' sharpshooting proved to be the decisive factor, burying the Knicks under a barrage of long-range bombs.

A Rain of Threes: Boston's Offensive Masterclass

The Celtics' offensive strategy was simple yet brutally effective: shoot threes, and shoot them often. They rained down 21 three-pointers, connecting on an impressive 47.7% of their attempts. This marks a significant offensive upgrade from previous games and highlights the team's ability to adjust their game plan based on opponent weaknesses. Jayson Tatum, often criticized for inconsistency in the playoffs, led the charge with a stellar performance, showcasing a diverse offensive skill set that included several clutch three-pointers.

Key Players & Their 3-Point Contributions:

• Jayson Tatum: While his overall scoring wasn't his highest, his efficient 3-point shooting was crucial.
• Jaylen Brown: Provided consistent scoring, utilizing a combination of drives and perimeter shooting.
• Malcolm Brogdon: Came off the bench to provide valuable three-point scoring, showcasing his impact as a sixth man.

This long-range accuracy wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was a testament to the Celtics' overall offensive flow. Their ball movement created open looks, and their shooters capitalized. This efficient offensive performance was a significant upgrade from their previous games and suggests a possible shift in their playoff strategy. The Knicks, on the other hand, struggled to match this offensive prowess.

Knicks Struggle to Find an Answer: Defensive Deficiencies Exposed

The Knicks' defense, typically a strength, faltered against the Celtics' sharpshooting. They struggled to effectively close out on shooters, allowing Boston to find open looks with regularity. While Julius Randle fought hard for his team, consistently scoring, the Knicks lacked consistent support from other players. Their lack of consistent three-point shooting on offense further compounded their problems. This defensive vulnerability, exposed in Game 3, needs urgent attention if the Knicks hope to extend the series.

Areas where the Knicks faltered:

• Perimeter defense: The inability to contest three-point shots effectively allowed the Celtics to dominate.
• Offensive inconsistency: A reliance on Randle’s performance left them vulnerable when he wasn’t at his best.

What's Next for Both Teams?

The Celtics now hold a commanding 2-1 lead in the series. Their dominant performance in Game 3 sends a clear message: they are capable of adjusting their game plan and exploiting their opponent's weaknesses. For the Knicks, the challenge is immense. They need to significantly improve their perimeter defense and find ways to generate consistent offense beyond Randle’s scoring. Game 4 will be critical, a must-win situation for the Knicks to prevent a potential series sweep. Can they adjust and respond effectively? The upcoming games promise to be intense.

Keywords: Celtics, Knicks, Game 3, NBA Playoffs, 3-point shooting, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Julius Randle, NBA, basketball, playoff recap, Eastern Conference, series recap, sports news.