The New York Knicks suffered a tough loss at Madison Square Garden, falling to the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs. With the Celtics jumping out to a commanding lead, the defending champions cut the Knicks’ series advantage to 2–1 and sent a message that they’re far from done. New York’s sluggish start proved costly, and Jalen Brunson didn’t mince words postgame.
“The first half needs to be a lot better,” Brunson said via SNY Knicks. “You cannot play catch-up with a team like this consistently.” Boston erupted for a 71–46 lead by halftime, draining 12 of their 19 three-point attempts in the opening 24 minutes. They would finish with 20 made threes on the night, a shooting display that overwhelmed the Knicks and reignited fears across the league about Boston’s offensive firepower.
That kind of shooting efficiency had been missing from the Celtics during the early part of the series, but in Game 3, it resurfaced at the right time. As postseason defenses tighten, Boston found the rhythm that helped them win last year’s title—though maintaining it against playoff-level pressure remains the ultimate test.
Brunson urges urgency ahead of Game 4
Looking ahead, Brunson stressed the importance of learning quickly. “Learn from Games 1 through 3, especially today,” he said. “Just come out with more urgency and be ready to go on Monday.”
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Knicks will have to regroup fast. Boston’s 35-point quarters in both the first and second frames set the tone, and New York never fully recovered. Brunson made it clear that another slow start at home is unacceptable with the NBA series momentum now in jeopardy.
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Towns addresses injury concerns
During the game, video of Karl-Anthony Towns appeared to show the Knicks forward expressing concern about a hand injury—lip-readers speculated he told teammates he might’ve “broken something.” Asked about the moment postgame, Towns downplayed the incident: “It is what it is,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to be out there for my team.”
Despite the scare, Towns turned in another double-double performance, finishing with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Though he struggled from the field (5-of-18), he made his mark at the free-throw line, hitting 10 of 11 attempts.
