Down 0-2 in the Eastern Semifinals, it was a must-win game for the Boston Celtics today at Madison Square Garden. After going winless at home, the Celtics were facing a potential sweep at the hands of the New York Knicks, and a loss in Game 3 would have been devastating to their chances of winning the series. Instead, the Celtics were able to save their season with a 115-93 victory in the pivotal game.
Jayson Tatum had a nice redemption game after a rocky two-game start with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 40.0% shooting. Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists while Payton Pritchard touched New York off the bench with 23 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 50.0% shooting.
On X, fans from all over the world posted their thoughts on the game and on the series as a whole. After the latest game, most of the reactions were relief from Celtics fans who have been stressed since the Game 2 loss.
“This is what happens when you put some focus on the game,” wrote a Celtics fan on X. “We are much better than them! It’s not over yet! Keep your focus! We must win Game 4!”
After blowing 20-point leads in back-to-back games, Celtics fans were worried after they went up by 20 again in Game 3. This time, however, the lead held, and the Celtics proved that they can close the deal.
“Celtics would be up 3-0 if they actually tried the first 2 games after going up 20,” wrote a bold fan on social media.
A lot of Knicks fans took issue with the officiating in this game, and some even claimed that it was the reason they lost the game.
“Knicks are the home team, and u would think the Celtics are the home game with the way the whistle was. Why does the defending champs need the refs’ help in a playoff game?” posted a New York sports fan on X.
There was a clear momentum shift in Game 3, and many fans were confident enough to declare that the Celtics would now win the series.
“My fellow Celtics fans. Do NOT get cocky and confident yet,” wrote one fan. “This is farrrr from over. We NEED to take game 4 as well, 100%, or this game means nothing. Once we do that and get it back to Boston for game 5 tied 2-2 I’ll feel a little better. Until then, we haven’t done anything yet.”
The Celtics won the championship last year with their shooting skills, depth, and defensive versatility. With the same roster as before, there is faith that the Celtics can do it again, but it’s clear now that the path ahead is anything but easy.
With the New York Knicks standing as their latest opponent, the Celtics have their toughest challenge yet, and after dropping the first two games at home, the margin for error the rest of the way is uncomfortably slim.
The key to victory in Game 3 was the return of elite perimeter shooting, and also championship defense. The Celtics held New York to 93 points on just 40.0% shooting from the field and limited the Knicks to just five three-pointers (5-25).
For the Celtics to maintain their dominance, they’ll have to keep up the defensive pressure while their two stars (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown) take care of business on the other end.
