Celtics dominate Knicks in pivotal Game 3 of playoffs

On May 11, 2025, the Boston Celtics secured a decisive victory against the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden. This matchup marked the Celtics' first win in the series, bringing the Knicks' lead down to 2-1. The game was crucial for Boston, as they had lost the first two games of the series and were desperate to make a comeback. The Celtics showed exceptional shooting performance, hitting 20 of 40 3-point attempts, which contributed significantly to their win over the Knicks by a score of 115-93. Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard were standout players for Boston, with Tatum contributing 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, and Pritchard scoring 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Alongside them, Jaylen Brown added 19 points, and Derrick White scored 17. The Celtics' performance was in stark contrast to the first two games in Boston, where they struggled significantly and even lost leads of more than 20 points in both matches. The team made a number of adjustments ahead of Game 3, shooting with confidence and aggressiveness right from the start. Conversely, the Knicks faced a disappointing defeat on their home turf, reflected in their shooting stats; they shot only 5 for 25 from 3-point range and struggled at the free throw line, with a 68.6% success rate. Key players, including Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, attempted to rally the team, but ultimately, they could not find their rhythm during the game. Knicks fans had high expectations following their team's previous victories in the series, making the loss particularly crushing. Additional disappointment came from the exorbitant ticket prices, as fans paid high amounts – some over $600 – to witness one of the biggest games for the Knicks this decade. As the teams prepare for Game 4, Celtics coach is likely to emphasize maintaining the momentum of their impressive Game 3 performance. With the series now at 2-1 in favor of New York, both teams will adjust strategies and player rotations moving forward. Tickets for Game 4 are already selling at a minimum of $700, signaling the continued interest and pressure surrounding the series. The outcome of the next game could determine not only the series' direction but also the fate of Knicks fans' hopes for their first conference finals appearance since 2000 and the Celtics' aspirations of advancing further in the playoffs.