New York Knicks faltering start, significant disparity in shooting kills Game 3 against Celtics
Revamped Recap: Knicks' So so Showing Against Celtics
Stepping into Game 3 against the Boston Celtics with a comfortable 2-0 advantage, the New York Knicks found themselves in an unfamiliar position – struggling to keep up. Despite poor performances from the Celtics in the first two games, the Knicks failed to capitalize, with their 115-93 loss being a stark reminder of the importance of consistent play.
The first half of Game 3 saw the Knicks repeating a familiar trend, digging themselves a significant hole early on, this time a 16-point deficit in the first quarter, 36-20, and a 25-point disadvantage by halftime, 71-46. Coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the team's poor start, stating, "We got in a hole early, and I thought that took some energy away from us."
Jalen Brunson echoed similar sentiments, suggesting a complacent mindset might have crept in before the game, stating, "I don't think we came with the mindset of being satisfied. But I think we were subconsciously satisfied (entering Game 3)."
Boston's three-point shooting, a strength throughout the season, returned with a vengeance, eviscerating the Knicks. The Celtics made an impressive 20-40 three-pointers, compared to the Knicks paltry 5-25. Jayson Tatum alone accounted for four of those threes, with Payton Pritchard contributing three. The inconsistency in the Knicks' three-point shooting continues to plague them, a worrying trend heading into Game 4.
OG Anunoby's struggles in Game 3 were noteworthy. The defensive powerhouse shot 1-6, scoring just two points, with a meager two rebounds and one assist in 31 minutes of play. Anunoby's impact was virtually non-existent. Despite his role in generating points in the open court, the Knicks' limited forays into the open court in Game 3 diluted his contributions. The team needs Anunoby's points and energy to turn the tide in their favor.
The Knicks squandered a golden opportunity in Game 3, but they still hold a 2-1 series lead. With Game 4 at home, the Knicks must learn from their mistakes, focusing on combating the Celtics' early starts and improving their three-point shooting efficiency. The pressure is now on the Knicks to seize the opportunity and assert their dominance in the series.
The New York Knicks, who had a comfortable lead in the playoffs, unexpectedly struggled against the Boston Celtics in Game 3, eventually losing 115-93. The Knicks, especially in the first half, repeated a pattern of digging a significant early lead and failing to capitalize, with the Celtics making a remarkable 20-40 three-pointers and OG Anunoby struggling, scoring only two points. The Knicks, who need to improve their three-point shooting efficiency and combat early Celtics' leads, will aim to learn from their mistakes in Game 4. Despite squandering a golden opportunity in Game 3, the Knicks still hold a 2-1 series lead, meaning they have a chance to smile again with a victory at home.
