NBA Playoffs Knicks vs. Celtics Game 3: Defending Champions Improve Their Offense to Pull Within 2-1 in Conference Semifinals

Boston Celtics rediscovered their offensive strength to snatch a crucial 115-93 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Defending champions also improved in their 3-point shooting in MSG opener to pull withing 2-1 in the NBA playoff series.

Jayson Tatum scored 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Payton Pritchard added 23 points. Jaylen Brown scored 19 points and Derrick White added 17 for the Celtics, who had their biggest lead of 31 points. First-half damage pushed the Celtics ahead in the game and there was no chance of any comeback for the Knicks, who pulled off a 20-point comeback in Game 2.

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No More Offensive Failure from Boston Celtics After Shooting Disappointment in First Two Games

Boston Celtics arrived MSG with a different mindset and improved their three-point shooting in Game 3. The defending champions, who went 25 for 100 in their two losses, were 20-for-40 from 3-point range. Jayson Tatum also rediscovered his form after going 12-for-42 in first two games. Tatum and Pritchard both made five 3s each.

The Celtics were in dominant mode from the beginning and outscored the Knicks 36-20 in opening quarter. The reigning champions extended their lead to 71-46 at halftime. The Knicks went on a 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 23 points but Boston maintained their heavy lead after three quarters.

The Knicks outscored the Celtics by 3 points in the second half. They couldn’t get the surge like Game 2. New York struggled with 5-for-25 (20%) from three-point range. Boston kept their turnovers to 8 while blocking five shots. They fall short of two 3-pointers to set a franchise record of most threes made in a playoff game.

Jalen Brunson led New York with 27 points and Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Knicks got a reality check in Game 3 and they would look to improve their game to keep their hopes alive to reach first conference finals appearance since 2000.

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The New York Knicks will host the Boston Celtics in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night to upset all the odds. The defending champions would aim to tie the series and make a big breakthrough in the series. The Knicks blew a 2-0 lead last year against the Pacers in the conference semifinals. One more loss can put them under pressure as Boston still have two home games in the series.

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