Knicks Fall To Celtics In Game 3 As Boston Hits 20 Three-Pointers

David

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Knicks Fall to Celtics in Game 3, Boston's 20 Three-Pointers Prove Too Much

The New York Knicks suffered a crushing defeat in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics, falling 116-108 at TD Garden. The Celtics' scorching hot shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, proved to be the difference maker, as Boston drained a staggering 20 three-pointers, a playoff record for the franchise. This decisive victory puts the Celtics up 2-1 in the series, shifting the momentum significantly heading into Game 4.

Celtics' Rain of Threes Dominates the Game

The story of the game was undoubtedly Boston's incredible three-point shooting. Jayson Tatum led the charge, showcasing his offensive prowess with a game-high 32 points, including several crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown added another 26 points, further showcasing the Celtics' offensive firepower. The sheer volume of successful three-point attempts wasn't just about individual performances; it highlighted a systematic approach by the Celtics, consistently finding open shooters and capitalizing on the Knicks' defensive lapses. This offensive explosion overshadowed even the Knicks' best efforts.

Knicks' Fight Back Falls Short

Despite the Celtics' dominant shooting display, the Knicks put up a valiant fight. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' offensive leader, played with characteristic tenacity, scoring 28 points. RJ Barrett also contributed significantly, showcasing his improved all-around game. However, the Knicks struggled to contain Boston's offensive onslaught, consistently finding themselves playing catch-up. Their defensive rotations were often a step behind, leaving Boston's shooters with wide-open looks from downtown. While the Knicks showcased resilience, ultimately the Celtics' incredible three-point shooting proved insurmountable.

Key Factors Leading to the Knicks' Defeat:

• Three-Point Defense: The Knicks' inability to effectively defend the three-point line was the most significant factor in their loss. The Celtics' 20 made threes represent a historically dominant performance and exposed a critical weakness in New York's defensive strategy.
• Offensive Rebounding: While the Knicks fought hard on offense, they were out-rebounded on the offensive glass, limiting their second-chance scoring opportunities. This allowed the Celtics to maintain possession and further capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
• Turnovers: Turnovers proved costly for the Knicks, giving Boston easy transition opportunities and further extending their lead. Minimizing turnovers will be crucial for the Knicks in Game 4.

Looking Ahead to Game 4

The Knicks now face a crucial Game 4 back in New York. They need to significantly improve their three-point defense and limit Boston's transition opportunities. Finding ways to disrupt the Celtics' offensive rhythm and secure more offensive rebounds will be paramount in their efforts to even the series. The series is far from over, but the Knicks need to make significant adjustments if they hope to advance. This Game 3 loss serves as a harsh reminder of the level of execution needed to compete with a team like the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. The question now is: Can the Knicks adjust and respond with the necessary intensity and strategic changes? Game 4 will tell.

Related Articles:

• [Link to an article about the Knicks' regular season performance]
• [Link to an article analyzing Jayson Tatum's playoff performance]
• [Link to an article about the history of the Knicks-Celtics rivalry]

Keywords: Knicks, Celtics, Game 3, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, three-pointers, playoff record, basketball, sports news, NBA news, TD Garden, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics.