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The Boston Celtics rolled previous the New York Knicks, 115-93, at Madison Sq. Backyard in Recreation 3 of the Japanese Convention semifinals to slender their sequence deficit to 2-1.
After blowing consecutive 20-point third-quarter leads at residence within the first two video games attributable to some uncharacteristic 3-point capturing struggles, the Celtics returned to kind from deep by going 20-for-40 from past the arc. 5 totally different Celtics scored in double figures, led by Payton Pritchard with 23 factors off the bench. Jayson Tatum bounced again from a tough Recreation 2 with 22 factors and 5 made 3-pointers. Comply with reside postgame evaluation and response under.
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NBA playoffs outcomes and takeaways: Celtics rout Knicks 115-93, bringing New York’s sequence result in 2-1
In the course of the sport, a broadcast clip confirmed Karl-Anthony Cities showing to mouth the phrases "I broke it" when referencing his left hand that appeared to provide him ache all through the competition. After the Recreation 3 loss, Cities was requested about his left hand.
“It’s what it’s," Cities mentioned. "I’m gonna maintain discovering methods to play, so I ain’t tripping.”
Cities declined to reply whether or not he underwent additional testing.
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The Boston Celtics picked up their first win in Recreation 3 of their sequence towards the New York Knicks behind an all-around group effort, as 4 of their 5 starters scored at the very least 12 factors or extra and Sixth Man of the Yr Payton Pritchard led all scorers with 23 factors.
Pritchard’s 23 factors within the 115-93 victory surpass his playoff profession excessive he set in Spherical 1 towards the Orlando Magic (19 factors).
Jayson Tatum completed with 22 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, whereas Jaylen Brown scored 19 factors, grabbed six rebounds and dropped 5 assists.
The Knicks nonetheless lead the sequence 2-1, however Boston discovered its identification Saturday, capturing 50 % from 3 (20-of-40). Boston by no means trailed and led by as many as 31 factors.
The Celtics have discovered some life on this sequence after dropping their first two video games at residence and can look to tie it up Monday at Madison Sq. Backyard at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Recreation 4 of the Celtics and Knicks sequence is Monday night time at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) following the NBA Draft Lottery.
Al Horford is 38. When he's on the basketball court docket, he doesn't play like somebody within the twilight of his profession.
In Boston's Recreation 3 win, Horford performed 35 minutes, placing up 15 factors and tallying 9 rebounds and two blocks. He had an environment friendly capturing night time going 6-of-9 from the ground and 3-of-4 from past the arc.
If the Celtics can maintain getting this from Horford repeatedly, look out!
The Celtics' 22-point win at this time is tied for the seventh-largest by a street group in a Recreation 3 of a convention semifinals. The most important: the Celtics walloped the Pistons by 32, 115-83, on the The Palace of Auburn Hills on Might 11, 1991.
It was evident throughout Recreation 3 that Karl-Anthony Cities' left hand was bothering him. There have been instances he grimaced in ache after making an attempt pictures or rebounds.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau weighed in on whether or not there needs to be concern for Cities.
"It's the playoffs and persons are gonna get hit," Thibodeau mentioned. "You've obtained to play by issues. That's why you do it all the season."
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Karl-Anthony Cities had extra factors than any of his Knicks teammates not named Jalen Brunson, however he did so on a really inefficient 5-for-18 capturing. Although Celtics counterpart Kristaps Porzingis was nonetheless clearly coping with the consequences of a long-term sickness that's restricted his taking part in time on this sequence, the previous Knick nonetheless precipitated issues for Cities within the paint.
A 21-point, 15-rebound stat line is nothing to sneeze at, however extra will likely be wanted from Cities for the Knicks to regain momentum on this sequence.
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau spoke after the sport in regards to the Celtics' dominant Recreation 3 efficiency.
"They obtained the lead early," Thibodeau mentioned. "I assumed we missed some pictures early that impacted us. They obtained confidence early within the sport."
Chuck A: Brunson regarded simply common more often than not when Holliday was on him.
Ted L: Celtics play so significantly better on the street. It’s a thriller. Possibly the group ought to repaint the backyard for sport 5 to appear to be Madison Sq. Backyard, and bus in a bunch of Knicks followers. Is perhaps our greatest shot!
Paul B: Celtics again at their finest. Knicks can’t compete.
Matt Ok: Not stressing. Celtics had an all time sport with 3pt% and Knicks had a whole tanker. Can’t await sport 4.
Garrett D: Celtics in 6.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned the previous couple of days had been a interval of darkness, however in a great way.
“You simply gotta to faucet into your darkness.”
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Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in scoring with 27 factors. However he wasn't environment friendly capturing the ball, going 9-of-21 from the ground.
It mirrored all the Knicks' offensive efficiency in Recreation 3, the place as a group they solely made 5 3s and shot 40 % from the sphere.
Jayson Tatum was the article of loads of scrutiny after a tough Recreation 2 that ended with him getting stripped of the ball by Mikal Bridges within the closing seconds earlier than getting a possible game-winning shot try off.
The Celtics celebrity had a not-quite-efficient 8-for-20 capturing efficiency from the sphere, however he went 5-for-9 from 3-point vary and was lively on the boards and in facilitating the offense with 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
It's truthful to say that no person on the Celtics wanted this bounce-back efficiency fairly as a lot as Tatum, and he obtained it.
Celtics received Recreation 3 in New York regardless of:
Remainder of Celtics: 25/42 FGs, 59.5% (13/23 3s, 56.5%)
What a efficiency for Celtics bench participant Payton Pritchard. The NBA's Sixth Man of the Yr posted a team-high 23 factors on 8-of-16 capturing from the ground, taking part in 35 minutes. He additionally added 5 3s, injecting life to the Boston offense from past the arc.
If Boston goes to achieve this sequence, they want Pritchard to supply vital bench scoring.
Take a deep breath, Boston followers. The Celtics keep away from the unthinkable state of affairs of being down 3-0 to the New York Knicks.
No group in NBA historical past has come again from 3-0 down. Boston compelled a Recreation 7 towards the Miami Warmth within the Japanese Convention finals after being down 3-0 earlier than ultimately shedding the sequence.
The Celtics are again with an opportunity to tie the sequence at two.
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NEW YORK — The Knicks weren’t sharp defensively, Boston hit pictures it beforehand missed and the Knicks’ offense continues to be caught in mud.
New York had an opportunity to be on the best facet of historical past with a 3-0 lead. Now should beat top-of-the-line street groups ever once more on Monday to keep away from sequence tie.
FG%:
3FG%:
Rebounds:
Assists:
Turnovers:
Boston:
Payton Pritchard (23 factors, 8-of-16 FG)
New York:
Jalen Brunson (27 factors, 9-of-21 FG)
