Thibodeau analyzes troubles in perimeter play during Game 3 for the Knicks
🏀 Game 3 Recap: Knicks Sizzle, Then Fizzle Against Celtics 💔
Last night, the New York Knicks underwent a electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, reminiscent of glory days three decades ago. But the excitement was short-lived as the Celtics stormed back, Building a sizeable lead and never looked back, securing a ** dominating 115-93 victory in Game 3** of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Knicks trailed by a staggering 31 points and couldn't seemingly muster the energy to challenge the second-seeded Celtics. The Knickerbockers struggled from the field, shooting a disappointing 40% and an abysmal 20% from beyond the arc, missing 20 out of 25 attempts. Tom Thibodeau, thehead coach, attributed their downfall to robbing Peter to pay Paul: "The intent was there, but sometimes if you miss shots you tend to not have the same type of energy."
Where Did the Knicks Go Wrong?
Knicks' Star Players' Struggles
Jalen Brunson led the team with 27 points but shot subpar from the field, making 9 out of 21 attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded a 21-15 double-double, was equally inefficient, going 5-of-18 from the field and dealing with an apparent hand injury. Towns' inefficiency and the hand injury he sustained overshadowed his stellar rebounding performance.
Celtics' Deadly Three-Point Shooting
The Celtics reclaimed their three-point prowess, making 20 three-pointers out of 40 attempts. Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, and Al Horford each drained multiple threes, setting the Knicks' defense ablaze. The Knicks' struggles from three-point range and the Celtics' deadly accuracy from downtown proved to be a major difference-maker in the contest.
Lack of Resilience
The Knicks had opportunities to counter the Celtics' onslaught, but their lack of grit and determination could not invoke the come-from-behind charge they displayed in Boston. The Celtics' lead never seem to wane, leaving the Knicks gasping for air until the final buzzer sounded. The basketball-watching world will tune in on Monday night to see if the Knicks can respond with a much-needed complete effort in Game 4.
The Knicks' star players, such as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, struggled with their shots, resulting in inefficiency that overshadowed Towns' impressive rebounding performance. The Celtics, on the other hand, showcased their deadly three-point shooting, draining 20 out of 40 attempts, a stark contrast to the Knicks' struggles from beyond the arc. These discrepancies highlighted a major difference-maker in the game. Tom Thibodeau indicated that missed shots often drain the team's energy, and the Knicks' lack of resilience could not withstand the Celtics' persistent lead, collapsing in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs. However, they remain ready to respond with a complete effort in Game 4, hoping to debunk their current slide and draw back the distance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
