Knicks Fall To Celtics As Boston's Long-Range Shooting Fuels Game 3 Win

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Knicks Fall to Celtics as Boston's Long-Range Shooting Fuels Game 3 Win

The New York Knicks suffered a disheartening defeat in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics, losing 116-108 at TD Garden. Boston's scorching hot three-point shooting proved to be the decisive factor, propelling them to a commanding 2-1 series lead and putting immense pressure on the Knicks heading into Game 4.

The game unfolded as a back-and-forth affair in the first half, with both teams trading blows. However, the tide turned dramatically in the third quarter, where the Celtics unleashed a barrage of long-range shots, effectively burying the Knicks under a mountain of unanswered points. Their accuracy from beyond the arc proved impossible for New York to counter, leaving them playing catch-up for the remainder of the game.

<h3>Boston's Lethal Long-Range Assault</h3>

The Celtics' success wasn't just about volume; it was about precision. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and even role players like Grant Williams consistently found the bottom of the net from three-point range. This marks a significant shift in the series, highlighting Boston’s ability to adjust their game plan and exploit New York's defensive vulnerabilities. The Knicks' perimeter defense, which had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the series, struggled mightily against Boston’s calculated long-range attack. The Celtics' ability to hit clutch three-pointers in critical moments of the game further emphasized their dominance.

<h3>Knicks Struggle to Find Answers</h3>

Despite valiant efforts from Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, the Knicks couldn't consistently match the Celtics' offensive firepower. While Brunson poured in another impressive performance, the supporting cast struggled to provide consistent scoring, particularly from beyond the arc. The Knicks’ inability to effectively counter Boston's three-point shooting exposed a crucial weakness that the Celtics ruthlessly exploited. Their offensive struggles were compounded by turnovers and missed opportunities in the crucial moments of the game.

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

The Knicks now face a pivotal Game 4 back in New York. They must find answers to Boston's three-point shooting prowess and improve their own offensive consistency. Expect Coach Tom Thibodeau to focus intensely on defensive adjustments, likely employing more aggressive perimeter defense and potentially experimenting with different defensive matchups. The Knicks need to rediscover their defensive intensity and limit the Celtics' open looks from beyond the three-point line. A key component will be improving their own three-point shooting percentage; their cold night from deep significantly hampered their chances. Can they regain their momentum and even the series? The answer will determine the fate of their playoff run.

Keywords: Knicks, Celtics, Game 3, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, three-point shooting, NBA, basketball, playoff basketball, sports news

Related Articles: (Internal links would go here if this were on a news website) e.g., "Knicks' Defensive Strategy Under Scrutiny After Game 3 Loss," "Jalen Brunson's Stellar Play Can't Mask Knicks' Shortcomings"

Call to Action (subtle): Stay tuned for our comprehensive Game 4 coverage and analysis!