After coming back from 20 points in the first two games, the Knicks found themselves down 20-plus again versus the Celtics, but this time were unable to put any dent in the deficit as the defending champs found their shooting touch. As much as this game felt like a must-win for the Celtics, down 0-2, it was equally as important for New York. No team in NBA history has ever blown a 3-0 series lead in the postseason.
Now, Boston, one of the best road teams of all time this season, has a chance to tie the series up on Monday in Madison Square Garden before going back home. Ultimately, the Knicks need to find a way to stop trailing by 20. It’s hard for any team to fight and claw back out of a hole regularly, and it feels like New York has used up enough comeback efforts this postseason to last a lifetime.
New York’s defense wasn’t nearly as sharp as it had been. It lost Celtics shooters all night and struggled between drop and switching. On the other end, the offense continues to stall out and go long spells without any form of rhythm. New York’s spotty 3-point shooting bit them tremendously in Game 3, and so did the poor free-throw shooting.
The Knicks must find a way to generate better offense with more regularity to compete with Boston. The Celtics are too solid on both sides of the ball not to be able to score with them or slow them down when shots are falling, hence the dominant performance on Saturday night when Boston found its shooting touch.