Game 3 Recap: Celtics' Dominant Three-Point Shooting Fuels Victory Over Knicks

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Game 3 Recap: Celtics' Dominant Three-Point Shooting Fuels Victory Over Knicks

The Boston Celtics stormed back into the Eastern Conference Semifinals, securing a commanding victory in Game 3 against the New York Knicks with a dazzling display of three-point shooting. Their explosive offense, fueled by a barrage of long-range shots, silenced the Madison Square Garden crowd and shifted the series momentum decisively in their favor. The 116-108 win leaves the Knicks facing a daunting uphill battle as the series heads back to Boston.

<h3>Celtics Rain Down Threes, Stifling Knicks' Offense</h3>

Boston's sharpshooting was the undeniable story of the game. The Celtics connected on a remarkable 21 three-pointers, setting a new franchise playoff record for threes made in a single game. Jayson Tatum led the charge, showcasing his all-around brilliance with 32 points, while Jaylen Brown added 26 points, demonstrating the dynamic scoring duo's ability to consistently find the bottom of the net. Their perimeter accuracy wasn't just about volume; it was about precision and timing, consistently finding open looks and capitalizing on the Knicks' defensive lapses. This offensive firepower kept the Knicks constantly on their heels, limiting their opportunities and disrupting their usual defensive rhythm.

<h3>Knicks Struggle to Find Answers Against Celtics' Defensive Intensity</h3>

While the Knicks' offense, led by Jalen Brunson's 29 points, showed flashes of brilliance, they struggled to consistently penetrate Boston's improved defense. The Celtics effectively contested shots, forced turnovers, and limited the Knicks' opportunities for easy scores. The Knicks' reliance on driving to the basket was effectively countered by Boston's disciplined defense, forcing them into contested shots and leading to crucial turnovers. This defensive pressure, combined with their own offensive firepower, proved to be a potent combination.

<h3>Key Moments and Turning Points</h3>

• The Third-Quarter Surge: The Celtics exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks by a significant margin and establishing a lead they would never relinquish. This surge was primarily powered by their exceptional three-point shooting.
• Tatum's Dominance: Tatum's performance was simply exceptional. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his playmaking, proved too much for the Knicks to handle.
• Brown's Consistent Contribution: Brown's consistent scoring provided crucial support for Tatum, ensuring that the Knicks couldn't solely focus their defensive efforts on one player.

<h3>What's Next for the Series?</h3>

With the series shifting back to Boston, the Celtics will look to capitalize on their momentum and potentially close out the series. The Knicks, facing a 3-1 deficit, will need to find a way to significantly improve their defensive strategy and find more offensive consistency to avoid elimination. Can they rediscover the defensive tenacity that defined their regular season success? Or will the Celtics' relentless three-point barrage prove insurmountable? Game 4 promises to be a crucial clash.

This Game 3 performance demonstrated the Celtics' ability to adapt and elevate their game when it matters most. Their impressive three-point shooting wasn't just a lucky streak; it was a testament to their skill, preparation, and determination. The series is far from over, but the Celtics have certainly put themselves in a strong position to advance. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the series continues!