The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. Both teams come into this pivotal game with diametrically opposite momentum. The Knicks, riding on a pair of back-to-back come-from-behind wins in Boston, will seek to obtain an authoritative 3-0 lead in the series. The Celtics need a victory to stay in the hunt. All that you want to learn about this engrossing face-off is being given here, such as game analysis of Game 2, matchups, lineups, predictions by experts and betting odds.
A Brief Review of Game 2
The Knicks pulled off another 20-point comeback miracle to pilfer Game 2 on the road by a 91-90 margin against the Celtics. New York defeated Boston 30-17 in the fourth quarter on a defensive masterclass led by Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Bridges, who had been held scoreless through three quarters, sparked the rally with 14 points in the fourth quarter to complement his game-saving defensive stop on Jayson Tatum at the buzzer.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were also standouts with 40 points combined, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21. Boston stumbled in crunch time as well, making only 21% from the field during the fourth quarter and being outscored on clutch moments. Jayson Tatum had only 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting, while Derrick White and Jaylen Brown contributed 20 points each but could not close out the game when it mattered most.
This is the second consecutive game that the Celtics blew a substantial lead in the playoffs, making them wonder whether they can deliver under pressure.
Team Analysis
New York Knicks
The Knicks continue to look impressive, controlling fourth quarters. Their defense, with fire in the belly of Bridges and Anunoby, has shut down the Celtics' leading scorers in crucial situations. Jalen Brunson has been the catalyst for this team, not only scoring shots for himself but also distributing efficiently.
The Karl-Anthony Towns pickup has deepened their frontcourt, as he is a consistent scorer and rebounder. Josh Hart has also been the Knicks' wild card with shot-making, hustle on the glass, and dual contributions on the boards and scoring the ball.
Strengths:
Exceptional fourth-quarter defense.
Solid all-around offensive contributions by Towns, Brunson, and Hart.
Clutch playing from behind.
Areas for Improvement:
The Knicks require a quicker offensive beginning to not have to play catch-up in the later stages of games.
Boston Celtics
The reigning champions have been surprisingly shaky. Their inability to perform in the fourth quarter has made them lose two games after leading by comfortable margins in the first three quarters. Jayson Tatum, their marquee man, has not performed when it mattered most, and Kristaps Porziņģis has not yet been able to make an impact in this series because of sickness and not-so-good performances.
Boston will count on Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown to step up, although Derrick White has been one of their more reliable producers. They possess one of the stronger away records this year, which could give them confidence to rally from behind at Madison Square Garden.
Strengths:
Strong start early in quarters because of a deep and talented roster.
Holiday-and-defense-anchored defense with the old man presence of Al Horford.
Areas for Improvement:
Fourth-quarter play and consistency by Tatum.
Turnovers and poor shot selection in crunch time.
Injury Updates
Good news to both fan bases is that there have been no reported injuries heading into Game 3. Both units will be healthy. There are a few players on each side, however, who have been dealing with nagging injuries all season long.
For the Celtics, Kemba Walker has been struggling with a knee injury since January but has managed to play through it and has been playing solidly in the playoffs so far. Jaylen Brown also sat out a couple of games with a hamstring injury earlier this season but now seems to be fully healthy.
On the other hand, Philadelphia's Joel Embiid has been dealing with knee pain throughout most of the season. While he has had some stellar games in these playoffs, his health is always something to keep an eye on. Tobias Harris also fought through a minor ankle sprain during the regular season, but he has played at an elite level in the playoffs.
Key Matchups
Jayson Tatum vs. Mikal Bridges
Can Bridges stifle Tatum again? Tatum was well held back in Game 2 by Bridges' tight defense. If Tatum can get free, the Celtics will have a better opportunity later in the game.
Jrue Holiday vs. Jalen Brunson
Holiday's defense will be tested against Brunson, the Knicks' series' top player. Their contest may establish the tone for Boston's defense.
Jaylen Brown vs. Josh Hart
This battle features Brown's scoring skills against Hart's versatility and energy. Brown must find ways to exploit his mismatches and beat Hart's defensive efforts.
Historical Matchups
Last 5 Games:
05/06/2025 – Knicks 91–90 Celtics
05/08/2025 – Knicks 108–105 Celtics (OT)
04/08/2025 – Celtics 119–117 Knicks
02/23/2025 – Celtics 118–105 Knicks
02/08/2025 – Knicks 131–104 Celtics
The Celtics have taken three of the previous five encounters, but the recent back-to-back victories of the Knicks provide them with a psychological boost going into Game 3.
Game Charts
Image Source: https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0042400213/game-charts
Expert Prediction
While the Knicks have momentum, Game 3 is a straight-up must-win for the Celtics. Boston will not go down without a struggle, and their brash road play can turn things in their favor. But the Knicks' game-closing ability and Madison Square Garden's home-court advantage can't be ignored.
Prediction: Knicks win a close one, 105–102.
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What to Expect in Game 3
Game 3 will be largely a matter of execution in crunch time. Both teams need to shore up their weaknesses to take control of this series. For the Celtics, it's regaining playing in control in the last few minutes of games. For the Knicks, it will be sustaining their shutdown defense in the fourth quarter.
All eyes will be on Madison Square Garden as the Knicks try to gain an improbable 3-0 lead and the Celtics try to hang on to their championship dreams.
