In an electrifying Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, the Boston Celtics turned the tide against the New York Knicks, following a challenging start to the series. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized that the days leading up to the game were not difficult but rather an exciting opportunity. Despite being down 2-0 after squandering two significant 20-point leads at home, Mazzulla described the situation as "fun." He encouraged his team to embrace the challenges they faced, stating, "You don't get into the journey for it to be easy. It's been dark, but in a good way." Mazzulla’s unique approach, which includes showing his players clips of hyenas and killer whales hunting, reflects his belief in tapping into one's inner strength during tough times.
After their disappointing performance in Game 2, where they struggled with their shooting, the Celtics kept things simple and light. Guard Payton Pritchard explained that the focus was on confidence and taking good shots. "Don't second-guess a good shot," Pritchard advised. He highlighted the importance of believing in their abilities, especially amidst criticism about their three-point shooting. The Celtics responded in Game 3 with a remarkable turnaround, shooting 20 for 40 from beyond the arc at Madison Square Garden, a stark contrast to their previous performance where they shot only 10 for 40.
Payton Pritchard was a standout player in Game 3, scoring 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting, including 5-for-10 from three-point range. His performance showcased exactly why he earned the Sixth Man of the Year award this season. Pritchard's early attempts included a long pull-up shot that missed, but he quickly found his rhythm. By the end of the first quarter, he hit a deep three-pointer, establishing a 32-16 lead for Boston.
Coach Mazzulla had emphasized the importance of finishing quarters strongly and managing the ball effectively. Pritchard echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's just controlling the momentum plays." The Celtics focused on preventing the Knicks from transitioning effectively, a crucial factor that had allowed New York to capitalize on mistakes in earlier games. While the Celtics were not flawless, they significantly reduced turnovers, with only a few critical mistakes made by players like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday.
Although stars Jayson Tatum and Brown did not have particularly remarkable scoring games, Pritchard's contributions were vital. He facilitated plays that created open shots for his teammates, including a key three-pointer for Brown late in the second quarter. His ability to drive to the basket and execute plays under pressure showcased the depth of the Celtics' roster. Brown praised Pritchard, noting, “Payton was huge, Payton was great,” especially against a physically demanding Knicks team.
Pritchard emphasized his goal to maintain aggression while also seeking opportunities for three-point shots. His playmaking, combined with Boston's solid defense, alleviated some of the pressure on Tatum and Brown during the game. The question now looms: will Mazzulla continue to utilize Pritchard's energy and skills in the upcoming games? With a focus on pace, space, and minimizing turnovers, it seems likely.
Post-game, Mazzulla acknowledged that while the Celtics' shooting numbers were improved, the overall performance extended beyond just shooting. The team played smarter basketball, although there are still areas for growth, especially in attacking switches and avoiding stagnant iso-ball situations. Despite some concerns about the offensive rhythm of Boston's stars, the Celtics have thoroughly outplayed the Knicks, achieving a decisive 22-point victory on the road. The team hopes to build on this momentum as the series progresses.
