The New York Knicks faced a daunting challenge against the Boston Celtics, who showcased their championship resilience with a decisive 115-93 victory in Game 3 of the playoff series. Despite two previous defeats, the Celtics made it clear they are still a formidable force, quieting a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd. Payton Pritchard emerged as an unexpected hero, scoring 23 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown contributed significantly to the win.

The Celtics demonstrated impressive long-range shooting, hitting 20 three-pointers while limiting the Knicks to just five. Their defense stifled key players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, restricting them from finding their rhythm. Jayson Tatum recognized the importance of winning on the road, reminding his teammates that championship teams must conquer tough situations away from home.

After struggles in earlier matches, the Celtics made necessary adjustments, avoiding the fourth-quarter slumps that plagued them previously. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized a 'tap into your darkness' mentality, which appeared to resonate with the team. With Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday battling injuries, the Celtics need their stars, particularly Tatum, to elevate their game even further if they want to pursue another title.