Boston Celtics showcased their resilience and strategic prowess in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference play-off semi-final, securing a crucial win against the New York Knicks. The victory narrowed the series deficit to 2-1, reigniting hopes for the reigning NBA champions.

Key Highlights

• First Half Dominance: The Celtics established a commanding lead of 71-46 by halftime, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
• Three-Point Shooting: Boston rediscovered their three-point shooting form, hitting an impressive 50% of their shots from beyond the arc.
• Star Performances: Payton Pritchard led the charge with 23 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 22 points. Jalen Brunson of the Knicks scored a game-high 27 points.

Post-Game Insights

Jalen Brunson reflected on the Knicks' approach, stating, "I don't think we came with the mindset of being satisfied, but I think it was just subconsciously satisfied being up 2-0. Just not the way we need to approach the game."

Looking Ahead

Game 4 is set to take place in New York on Monday, where the Celtics aim to level the series. The Knicks will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses to maintain their lead.

Related NBA Action

In another thrilling match, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged out the Golden State Warriors 102-97, taking a 2-1 series lead. Anthony Edwards was instrumental, scoring 36 points, including three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch emphasized the importance of winning the possession battle in clutch moments, while Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team's defensive efforts but highlighted the challenges in containing the Timberwolves in the final quarter.