The Boston Celtics showed their resilience in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs, defeating the New York Knicks 115-93 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. This victory not only marked a crucial win for the Celtics but also allowed them to reduce the series deficit to 2-1 against their Eastern Conference rivals.
From the outset, the Celtics established their dominance, building a 20-point lead for the third consecutive game in this series. Unlike previous outings, however, they managed to maintain that lead, showcasing their ability to bounce back from a tough start in the playoffs.
Leading the charge for Boston was Payton Pritchard, who delivered an impressive performance, scoring 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting. The Sixth Man of the Year was instrumental in the Celtics' offensive strategy, helping to create opportunities for his teammates. His contributions included several assists that led to good looks at the basket and crucial free throws.
Jayson Tatum also stepped up his game after a disappointing end to Game 2, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Tatum's ability to facilitate plays and score effectively was vital in keeping the Knicks at bay. Jaylen Brown added to the mix with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists, demonstrating his explosive style of play and ability to penetrate the Knicks' defense.
Despite the Celtics' strong performance, the Knicks had their own stars in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson led New York with 27 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Towns contributed with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. However, the rest of the Knicks roster struggled significantly, with the other ten players combining for just 45 points. This lack of support highlighted New York's difficulties in maintaining offensive momentum.
As the game progressed, the Celtics found their rhythm from beyond the arc, finishing with a remarkable 20-of-40 shooting from three-point range. This marked a significant improvement compared to their previous games in the series, where they had struggled to find their shooting touch. Jayson Tatum hit five of his nine attempts from long range, while Al Horford and Pritchard also contributed with three and five three-pointers, respectively.
On the defensive end, the Celtics were able to limit the Knicks' scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half, which allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead. The Knicks' struggles were evident as they failed to capitalize on their chances, with Mitchell Robinson's inability to convert free throws becoming a key issue. Robinson played only 19 minutes, his lowest of the series, and finished with a dismal 4-for-12 from the charity stripe.
The Celtics' victory was a much-needed boost after two challenging games, and it silenced some of the critics who had written them off following their early struggles in the series. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team's effort, stating, "We needed this win to get back in the series. The guys showed up and played with heart, and that’s what we need moving forward."
Looking ahead, Game 4 is set to take place in New York on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Celtics will enter as 6.5-point road favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the game total set at 208.5 points. This matchup will be crucial for both teams as they look to gain momentum in the series.
As the playoffs continue, the Celtics will need to build on this victory and find consistency in their performance if they hope to advance further. The Knicks, on the other hand, must regroup and find ways to support their star players to avoid falling deeper into the series. With the stakes high, both teams will be eager to battle it out in what promises to be an exciting Game 4.
