Knicks' Stunning Upset of Celtics Continues with Crucial Game 3

Strategic Insights -

The New York Knicks are poised to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series against the Boston Celtics, thanks to their remarkable victories in the first two games. The Knicks have defied expectations, despite being considered significant underdogs, by overcoming 20-point third-quarter deficits in each of the first two games. Now, with the series shifting to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Knicks have a chance to put the Celtics in an even deeper hole.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Knicks need to feed into the energy of the raucous Garden crowd by getting off to a strong start, building an early lead, and putting the Celtics in a hole in a tough road environment.
  • To continue their winning streak, the Knicks must keep forcing the Celtics into bad three-point shot attempts, particularly targeting Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard.
  • The Knicks' high level of defensive intensity at home has been a key factor in their success, and they need to maintain this intensity to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
  • Tom Thibodeau's team has added crucial pieces, such as OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, to stop players like Tatum and Brown, and their wing players have been a difference-maker in the series.
  • The Knicks' suffocating defense has been a game-changer, especially in the last two games against Boston, and they need to continue this level of play to secure a sweep.

Statistics:

  • The Celtics shot 25.0% from three-point range in the first two games of the series, going 15-of-60 in Game 1 and 10-of-40 in Game 2.
  • The Knicks have held the Celtics to a season-low 25.0% from three-point range.
  • Murray's aggressive defense has helped the Knicks to a whopping 7-7 steal ratio in the series so far.
  • The Celtics have struggled with rebounding, allowing the Knicks to grab 40 rebounds in Game 1 and 42 rebounds in Game 2.

Sources:

  • NorthJersey.com USA TODAY NETWORK - N.J. (Chris Iseman)
  • Official NBA website
  • Celtics Insider
  • Knicks Insider