Celtics Dominate Knicks in Game 3, Cutting Series Lead
The Boston Celtics delivered a resounding statement Saturday night, dismantling the New York Knicks 115-93 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The decisive victory at Madison Square Garden narrowed the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1 and showcased the Celtics’ offensive firepower. Fueled by a barrage of three-pointers, Boston silenced the typically boisterous New York crowd and wrested control of the series narrative.
From the opening tip, the Celtics established their dominance, refusing to relinquish the lead at any point during the game. The Knicks, who had relied on tenacity and strategic execution to secure victories in the first two contests, appeared disjointed and unable to replicate their earlier success. The Celtics’ relentless pressure and accurate shooting forced New York to deviate from their game plan, resulting in a lackluster performance.
A key element of Boston’s triumph was their unwavering commitment to the three-point shot. Celtics players consistently launched shots from beyond the arc, whether tightly guarded or with open looks. This strategy, while risky, proved highly effective in stretching the Knicks’ defense and creating scoring opportunities. The article suggests that the Knicks need to adjust their defense to make Boston try to score inside.
The Celtics surged ahead in the first half, building a substantial lead that only widened after the break. By halftime, Boston held a commanding 25-point advantage, effectively demoralizing the Knicks and dampening the spirits of the home crowd. The Celtics extended their lead to a staggering 31 points early in the third quarter, all but ensuring a Knicks comeback was impossible. New York’s offensive struggles were evident in their poor shooting percentage, hitting only 40% of their field goal attempts. The Knicks were consistently denied space to create shots off the dribble and often resorted to taking contested shots early in the shot clock, particularly when facing a double-digit deficit.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla pinpointed the reduction of live-ball turnovers as a crucial factor in the victory. By minimizing turnovers, Boston effectively curtailed the Knicks’ ability to initiate fast breaks, which had been a significant source of their offense in the previous games.
The game’s standout performer was the Celtics’ Sixth Man of the Year, who lived up to his award. He led the team with an impressive 23 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and offensive versatility. He demonstrated his long-range accuracy by sinking five three-pointers, further contributing to the Celtics’ barrage from beyond the arc. His performance not only provided a significant offensive boost but also injected energy and enthusiasm into the Celtics’ gameplay.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was a stark contrast to the usual electric environment. Fans who had paid exorbitant prices for tickets were treated to a disappointing performance by their team. The loudest cheers of the night were reserved for Mitchell Robinson, a source of sarcastic amusement due to his struggles at the free-throw line, former Knicks players and celebrities displayed on the jumbotron, and any form of timeout entertainment designed to prevent the 20,000 attendees from succumbing to boredom or leaving early.
New York’s struggles extended to the free-throw line, where they failed to capitalize on opportunities to chip away at Boston’s lead. The team collectively shot a dismal 68.6% from the line, converting only 24 of their 35 attempts. Center Mitchell Robinson, a notoriously inconsistent free-throw shooter with a career average of 52%, endured a particularly difficult night, making just four of his game-high twelve attempts. The Celtics strategically fouled Robinson on nearly every possession in the third quarter, even with a substantial lead, highlighting his weakness and disrupting the Knicks’ offensive flow. The crowd responded to each made free throw with raucous, albeit sarcastic, cheers. However, a palpable silence descended upon the arena when Robinson completely missed the rim on one of his attempts.
The Knicks’ starting small forward endured a second consecutive miserable game, further compounding the team’s woes. After scoring 29 points in the Game 1 overtime victory, he followed up with only five points in Game 2 and a paltry two points in 31 minutes during Game 3. His offensive struggles were evident in his poor shooting percentage, going 1-for-6 from the field on Saturday. His overall impact on the game was profoundly negative, as reflected in his game-worst -25 plus/minus rating while he was on the floor. His absence from the game added to the Knicks’ troubles.
In conclusion, the Celtics’ dominant performance in Game 3 underscored their offensive capabilities and ability to stifle the Knicks’ strengths. Their emphasis on the three-point shot, coupled with improved ball security, proved to be a winning formula. The Knicks, on the other hand, must address their offensive struggles, improve their free-throw shooting, and find a way to contain the Celtics’ perimeter attack if they hope to regain control of the series. The series now shifts back to Boston, where the Celtics will look to even the score and seize momentum.
