New York, N.Y. — The atmosphere outside Madison Square Garden was vibrant and sunny, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within as the New York Knicks faced a pivotal Game 3 against the Boston Celtics. This highly anticipated playoff matchup marked the Knicks’ most significant home game in over 20 years, but the excitement quickly dissipated as the Celtics unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, dominating the Knicks in a decisive 115-93 victory.

While the Knicks maintain a 2-1 series lead, Saturday’s loss left them reeling and raised questions about their ability to fend off a Celtics team hungry for redemption. This game resembled the early matchups in the regular season, where the Celtics had consistently outclassed the Knicks. Once again, Boston looked like a formidable contender, reigniting hopes for a deep playoff run and a chance to clinch the Eastern Conference title.

The Celtics entered this game with a rare postseason predicament: they had lost the first two home games in the best-of-seven series, a feat achieved by only 30 previous teams in NBA history, of which only five managed to progress. With ambitions set high, Boston now seeks to become the sixth.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both All-Stars, found their footing after struggling in the earlier games, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ scoring with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists combined. Saturday’s performance showcased a stark turnaround for Boston, who hit 20 of their 40 attempts from beyond the arc, a dramatic improvement after missing a staggering 75 shots in their previous two contests.

By halftime, the Celtics had established a commanding 71-46 lead, thoroughly neutralizing any hopes the Knicks had of a comeback. The players in blue struggled offensively, with a dismal shooting record early in the game, connecting on just 4 of their first 17 attempts. As the Celtics continued to extend their lead, the atmosphere inside the arena turned from hopeful to despondent, echoing the somber tones of a team facing an uphill battle.

Despite some flashes of momentum midway through the third quarter, the Knicks could not sustain it. A crucial turnover by Jalen Brunson, who led the Knicks with 27 points, exemplified the team’s misfortunes. With the Celtics pushing the advantage, New York’s mistakes piled up, turning the game into a prolonged and unremarkable affair.

Mitchell Robinson struggled once again at the free-throw line, scoring only 4 of 12 attempted shots and reducing his playoff efficiency to 11 for 39. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby, a key contributor, remained largely invisible, scoring a mere two points in the first half and totaling just seven points over the last two games.

Payton Pritchard emerged as a vital asset off the bench for the Celtics, contributing 23 points and ensuring the team’s momentum never faltered. The vast difference in play from both teams became evident early on; Boston capitalized on their shooting range, sinking their initial three-pointers and maintaining an impressive 12 for 19 rate from deep in the first half alone.

As the team heads back to Madison Square Garden for Game 4, the Knicks must regroup quickly. With three consecutive home playoff losses looming over their heads, challenges abound as they attempt to push back against the relentless Boston squad. The atmosphere will undoubtedly change, and the pressure is palpable as both teams gear up for yet another crucial match in this playoff saga.