In a stunning twist for the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks entered Game 3 of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics with an unexpected 2-0 series lead. This surprising advantage came despite their historically poor shooting and late-game collapses by Boston. However, the Celtics approached the game with a heightened sense of urgency, fully aware of the stakes involved as they sought to recover from a challenging 2-0 deficit on the road.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric as Boston kicked off Game 3. They quickly established their dominance, sprinting out in transition and crashing the offensive glass. The Celtics showcased their scoring prowess, hitting an impressive 12-of-19 from beyond the arc in the first half, leading to a staggering 71 points. Their overall shooting percentage soared to 54%, a testament to their well-executed offensive strategy orchestrated by coach Joe Mazzulla.
One of the glaring issues for the Knicks is the defensive liabilities presented by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. To compete effectively against the Celtics' offensive firepower, New York needs both players to contribute offensively. However, they have been exploited defensively throughout the series. The Celtics effectively targeted Towns early in Game 1, causing him to get into foul trouble, while Brunson found himself frequently matched up against Jrue Holiday.
Despite some adjustments in the previous games, the Celtics returned to their aggressive strategy in Game 3. Mazzulla's ability to exploit mismatches was instrumental, and Jayson Tatum emphasized the importance of intentional spacing and offensive execution. “I think one thing, we just tried to be more intentional about our spacing,” Tatum noted. “Getting guys in the right spots... Our spacing was a big part of that.”
During the first half, 14 of Boston’s 24 field goals were a direct result of targeting Brunson and Towns. The Celtics executed a variety of offensive plays, including pull-up 3-pointers against Towns in pick-and-roll situations and aggressive off-ball movements that created open shots. Notably, they exploited Brunson’s defensive struggles in the post, leading to a series of open looks from beyond the arc.
In one standout sequence, Jaylen Brown quickly looked for a kickout pass, showcasing Boston's improved spacing. Kristaps Porzingis initiated the play and, after drawing a defender, passed to Payton Pritchard for a clean shot. These effective plays were less frequent in the previous games but became a hallmark of Game 3 due to Boston's sharp focus.
Boston’s ability to make the extra pass and prioritize better shot selections turned Game 3 into a blowout before halftime. Coach Mazzulla remarked on the importance of valuing the basketball, stating, “We just have to continue to make those right reads.” Limiting live-ball turnovers and maintaining disciplined offensive spacing were crucial to their success.
As the series progresses, the Knicks face a significant challenge. They lack the necessary size and playmaking options to counter Boston’s disciplined attack, particularly when Brunson and Towns are on the floor. While the Knicks could attempt to tighten their perimeter defense, this may leave them vulnerable in other areas. Ultimately, the Celtics have multiple pathways to victory in this series, but relentlessly targeting Brunson and Towns remains the most effective strategy.
With Game 3 now behind them, the Celtics have shifted the momentum in the series. They still have work to do, but the climb out of a 0-2 hole appears a bit less daunting after their commanding performance on Saturday night.
