Knicks Fall To Celtics: Game 3 Loss Highlights Shooting Disparity

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Knicks Fall to Celtics: Game 3 Loss Highlights Shooting Disparity

The New York Knicks suffered a disheartening 116-108 defeat against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series, a loss that underscored a significant disparity in shooting efficiency. The game, played at TD Garden, exposed the Knicks' vulnerabilities against a more consistent and potent Celtics offense, leaving their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

This loss wasn't simply about a few missed shots; it highlighted a systemic issue that the Knicks must address if they hope to level the series. While the team showed flashes of their tenacious defense and gritty play, their struggles from beyond the arc and overall shooting percentage proved to be their undoing.

Shooting Woes Define Knicks' Game 3 Performance

The stark difference in shooting percentages between the two teams was the most telling statistic of the night. The Celtics enjoyed a significantly higher field goal percentage, connecting on shots consistently throughout the game. Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from three-point range. This inconsistency from deep proved costly, limiting their offensive output and allowing the Celtics to build and maintain a comfortable lead.

• Three-Point Troubles: The Knicks' cold shooting from beyond the arc was a major factor in their defeat. Their inability to consistently knock down open looks created scoring droughts, allowing the Celtics to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. This lack of outside shooting forced them to rely heavily on drives to the basket, leading to more contested shots and turnovers.

• Overall Shooting Percentage: The disparity in overall field goal percentage was equally concerning. The Celtics' efficient shooting allowed them to maintain a steady offensive flow, whereas the Knicks' inconsistency led to frustrating stretches of missed opportunities. This consistent offensive output from Boston proved to be too much for the Knicks to overcome.

Jalen Brunson's Performance and Team Support

While Jalen Brunson continued his strong playoff performance, his efforts weren't enough to overcome the team's collective shooting woes. He needs more consistent support from his teammates if the Knicks are to have any chance of winning the series. The team needs to find ways to generate more open looks and improve their shot selection.

What's Next for the Knicks?

The Knicks now face a critical Game 4 back in New York. They need to find answers to their shooting woes quickly, focusing on improved practice routines and strategic adjustments. This could involve tweaking their offensive plays to create better opportunities, or emphasizing improved shooting drills during practice.

• Adjusting Offensive Strategy: Coach Tom Thibodeau needs to analyze the team's offensive performance and implement adjustments to address their shooting inconsistencies. This could involve simplifying offensive sets to create more open looks or focusing on attacking mismatches more effectively.

• Improved Practice Focus: The team needs dedicated practice time focused specifically on shooting drills and improving shot selection. This needs to include a focus on both short-range and long-range accuracy.

The series is far from over, but the Knicks need a significant turnaround in their shooting performance if they are to avoid elimination. Their next game is a must-win, and their ability to address their shooting inconsistencies will be the key to their success. The question remains: Can they make the necessary adjustments and rediscover their offensive rhythm in time? Only time will tell.

Related Articles:

• [Link to a previous article about the Knicks' regular season performance]
• [Link to an article analyzing the Celtics' playoff run]

Keywords: Knicks, Celtics, Game 3, Playoffs, NBA, Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jalen Brunson, Shooting Percentage, Three-Point Shooting, Tom Thibodeau, NBA Playoffs 2024, Basketball, Sports News