Knicks Fall To Celtics: 20 Three-Pointers Decide Game 3

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Knicks Fall to Celtics: 20 Three-Pointers Decide Game 3

The New York Knicks suffered a crushing defeat in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics, losing 116-108. The decisive factor? A barrage of 20 three-pointers from the Celtics, a performance that overwhelmed the Knicks' defense and effectively sealed their fate. This loss puts the Knicks in a precarious 2-1 deficit heading into Game 4.

The game was a showcase of contrasting styles. While the Knicks fought hard inside, relying on their usual strong interior game and second-chance points, the Celtics' perimeter shooting proved too potent to counter. Jayson Tatum led the charge with 32 points, hitting several crucial three-pointers down the stretch. Jaylen Brown added another impressive performance, consistently finding his rhythm from beyond the arc. The sheer volume of successful three-point attempts, a remarkable 20 out of 41 attempts, proved unsustainable for the Knicks' defense to handle.

<h3>Celtics' Perimeter Dominance: A Strategic Masterclass</h3>

The Celtics' three-point onslaught wasn't just about luck; it was a calculated strategy. Their ball movement was exceptional, consistently finding open shooters and exploiting gaps in the Knicks' defensive rotations. Coach Joe Mazzulla clearly emphasized perimeter shooting in his game plan, and the execution was flawless. This offensive efficiency created a significant lead that the Knicks struggled to overcome despite their efforts in the paint. The Celtics' ability to efficiently move the ball and create open looks highlights their exceptional team chemistry and offensive skill.

<h3>Knicks' Fight Back Falls Short</h3>

Despite the Celtics' dominance from three, the Knicks didn’t give up without a fight. Julius Randle put up a solid performance, showcasing his usual grit and determination. RJ Barrett also contributed significantly, but their efforts weren't enough to counteract the persistent threat of Boston's long-range shooting. The Knicks showed resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap at times, but the Celtics ultimately proved too strong. The Knicks’ inability to consistently match the Celtics' three-point output ultimately decided the game.

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

Facing a 2-1 deficit, the Knicks now face a pivotal Game 4. They need to find an answer to the Celtics' three-point barrage. This might involve adjusting their defensive strategy, possibly employing more aggressive close-outs or switching defensive schemes more frequently. Improving their own three-point shooting percentage could also significantly impact the series. The Knicks need to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and dominate the paint to stay competitive, but they must find a way to contain the Celtics' perimeter attack.

The series is far from over, but the Knicks face an uphill battle. Can they regroup and find a way to level the series? Only time will tell. Game 4 promises to be a crucial encounter, determining the momentum heading into the next phase of this exciting playoff matchup.

Keywords: Knicks, Celtics, NBA Playoffs, Game 3, Three-Pointers, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Eastern Conference Semifinals, NBA, Basketball, Playoffs 2024, Sports News

Related Articles: (Hypothetical links for SEO purposes)

• [Link to a previous Knicks game recap]
• [Link to an article analyzing the Celtics' playoff performance]
• [Link to a general article about the NBA Playoffs]

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