Celtics Bounce Back: Boston Narrows Knicks Series Lead
Boston's Celtics team is recharged and ready to dominate the court yet again.
(Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Email | Print | Copy Link)
The NBA Champions Boston Celtics stumbled in their playoff series against the New York Knicks, but they're not going down without a fight. After losing the first two home games, Boston bounced back with a resounding 115-93 win, narrowing the series to 1-2. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves wrested a 2-1 lead from the Golden State Warriors.
After frittering away a 20-point lead in the first two games, Jayson Tatum and his crew made sure it didn't happen again. Boston took a commanding lead early in the second quarter, which the Knicks couldn't scrub clean3.
"We recognized that this game was crucial," Tatum said, his eyes flashing with determination. "I didn't take kindly to how we felt after the last game, so we came prepared to overwhelm them. We can't let the emotional turmoil of the playoffs shake us. Our core group has plenty of experience, navigating diverse situations, so we focused on sticking together and finding a solution."
Payton Pritchard, the top scorer for the Celtics, clocked in at 23 points, while Tatum followed suit with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Rookie Ariel Hukporti, a German addition to the Knicks' roster, managed just two points in two minutes3.
The fourth game is lined up for Tuesday night at New York's Madison Square Garden, where a win would give the Celtics a chance to tie the series. However, the statistics aren't looking bright for Boston - only five teams have ever won an NBA playoff series when losing the first two home games2.
The Warriors are still feeling the pinch of Stephen Curry's injury. In their fourth game, the Wolves took control in the final quarter, with Anthony Edwards (36 points) and a combined effort from Jimmy Butler (33 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (30) keeping the Warriors in the mix for much of the game.
- The Celtics, despite squandering a 20-point lead in the initial games, tried to turn things around in the NBA playoffs, focusing on overwhelming their opponents.
- In the recent game, Celtics' key player Jayson Tatum expressed his determination, stating that they came prepared to outplay the Knicks.
- Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum proved to be a formidable duo for the Celtics, with Pritchard scoring 23 points and Tatum contributing 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
- As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming game at Madison Square Garden, they face a challenging task, as only five teams have ever won an NBA playoff series when losing the first two home games.
