Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Game 4 Preview: Will Boston Even the Series?
Celtics Seek to Build on Game 3 Dominance
After dropping the first two games at home in shocking fashion, the Boston Celtics emphatically responded with a statement 115-93 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Now, with momentum shifting, Boston aims to level the Eastern Conference Semifinals series at 2-2 on Monday night in what promises to be an electric atmosphere at the World’s Most Famous Arena.
Saturday’s performance demonstrated why the Celtics were considered championship favorites entering the postseason. Boston’s offense finally rediscovered its rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, where they connected on a blistering 20-of-40 three-point attempts. Perhaps most encouraging for Celtics fans was the balanced scoring attack, with five players reaching double figures and an unexpected spark from reserve guard Payton Pritchard, who poured in a team-high 23 points.
“When we move the ball and find the open man, we’re incredibly difficult to defend,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla noted after Game 3. “Our defensive intensity created offensive opportunities, and that’s the formula we need to maintain.”
Knicks Looking to Recapture Home Court Magic
Despite Saturday’s setback, the Knicks remain in control of the series with a 2-1 lead and another home game ahead. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad has repeatedly shown resilience throughout this playoff run, overcoming significant injuries to key rotation players while still finding ways to win.
Jalen Brunson continues his stellar postseason performance, leading New York with 27 points in Game 3 despite facing relentless defensive pressure. Karl-Anthony Towns added a strong 21-point, 15-rebound double-double, but the supporting cast struggled mightily. The Knicks converted just 5 of 25 attempts from three-point range (20%), a shooting drought they cannot afford in Game 4.
What’s particularly concerning for New York was their uncharacteristically slow start, falling behind by 25 points at halftime. The Knicks, who’ve developed a reputation for gritty comeback victories this postseason, couldn’t overcome such a significant deficit against a talented and desperate Boston squad.
“We didn’t match their intensity from the beginning,” Thibodeau acknowledged. “In playoff basketball, especially against a team with their firepower, you can’t dig yourself that kind of hole.”
Key Statistical Matchups to Watch
Several statistical trends could prove pivotal in determining Game 4’s outcome:
- Three-Point Shooting Disparity: The Celtics’ 20-of-40 performance from deep in Game 3 highlighted their offensive ceiling when shots are falling. Boston averaged 16.5 made threes per game during the regular season, leading the NBA. By contrast, New York ranked 25th in three-point makes, averaging just 11.9 per game.
- Battle on the Boards: Despite the lopsided score, the Knicks actually outrebounded Boston 46-43 in Game 3. New York’s ability to generate second-chance opportunities has been crucial throughout the playoffs.
- Star Power Production: Jayson Tatum (22 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) and Jaylen Brown (19 points) remain Boston’s offensive engines, while Brunson has carried an enormous scoring load for New York, averaging over 31 points per game this postseason.
- Bench Production: Boston’s reserves, led by Pritchard’s surprising outburst, outscored New York’s bench 34-16 in Game 3. The Knicks need increased production from their second unit to relieve pressure on Brunson.
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Betting Trends and Analysis
Examining recent betting patterns reveals interesting insights for Game 4:
Favoring Boston:
- The road team has won each of the Knicks’ last eight playoff games, suggesting venue hasn’t dictated outcomes in New York’s postseason run.
- The Knicks have lost 20 of their last 21 games as home underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents following a loss.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Knicks’ last six playoff games.
Favoring New York:
- The Knicks have won seven consecutive home games following a home loss.
- The Celtics have lost five of their last seven Eastern Conference Semifinals games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.
- Boston has failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight playoff games as road favorites following a win.
The betting line currently favors Boston by 3 points with a total of 206.5, reflecting oddsmakers’ expectation of a tightly contested battle that could come down to the final possessions.
Player Matchups That Will Determine the Outcome
Several individual matchups could swing Game 4’s outcome:
- Jalen Brunson vs. Derrick White: White’s defensive pressure helped contain Brunson in Game 3. While Brunson still scored 27 points, he worked significantly harder for his buckets compared to Games 1 and 2.
- Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Al Horford: With Kristaps Porzingis still working his way back from injury (limited to just 5 points in 21 minutes in Game 3), Horford’s veteran savvy (15 points, 9 rebounds) proved crucial. Towns must exploit any matchup advantages when Porzingis is off the floor.
- Bench Impact: Payton Pritchard’s surprise 23-point performance shifted Game 3’s dynamics completely. Can he maintain that production, or will the Knicks’ reserves respond with improved output?
- Coaching Adjustments: Both Joe Mazzulla and Tom Thibodeau face critical strategic decisions regarding defensive coverages, rotation patterns, and offensive priorities.
Game 4 Prediction and Analysis
After thoroughly analyzing both teams’ performances and trends, Boston appears positioned to even this series at 2-2. The Celtics’ Game 3 dominance wasn’t merely about making threes—they controlled the game’s tempo, executed defensively, and played with the urgency expected from a championship contender facing a potential 3-0 deficit.
New York will undoubtedly respond with greater intensity, and Madison Square Garden’s atmosphere will provide an emotional boost. Expect Brunson to deliver another stellar performance, likely exceeding 30 points. However, Boston’s defensive adjustments and scoring diversity should prove sufficient to secure a crucial road victory.
Final Prediction: Boston Celtics 109, New York Knicks 103 – Boston covers the spread (-3) with the total going over 206.5 points.
Expert Insights
Will Kristaps Porzingis impact Game I significantly more in Game 4?
Despite coming off the bench in Game 3 with limited production, expect Porzingis to play an increasingly important role as he works back from injury. His floor-spacing ability creates driving lanes for Tatum and Brown, while his rim protection helps neutralize Brunson’s penetration. Even in limited minutes, his presence changes how the Knicks must defend.
Can the Knicks survive another poor three-point shooting performance?
Unlikely. While New York has built its identity around physical defense and offensive rebounding, modern playoff basketball demands some perimeter scoring punch. The Knicks must improve on their 5-for-25 showing from Game 3 to have a realistic chance of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.
What’s been the biggest difference between the Celtics’ Game 3 win versus their losses in Games 1 and 2?
Defensive intensity from the opening tip. Boston established themselves early in Game 3, building a 25-point halftime lead that effectively decided the contest before halftime. Their perimeter defenders disrupted New York’s offensive sets while limiting transition opportunities. This defensive focus fueled their offensive rhythm, particularly from three-point range.
If you’re Coach Thibodeau, what’s your primary adjustment for Game 4?
Emphasizing faster offensive initiation to prevent Boston’s half-court defense from getting set. The Knicks thrived in Games 1 and 2 when they created scramble situations that forced the Celtics into rotation, leading to offensive rebounds and free throw opportunities. Allowing Boston to establish their half-court defense neutralizes many of New York’s strengths.
Which role player could emerge as an X-factor in Game 4?
For Boston, watch Derrick White, whose two-way impact provides crucial complementary production alongside Tatum and Brown. For New York, Miles McBride’s defensive intensity and improved three-point shooting could provide a much-needed spark off the bench. McBride’s 4.6 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks fourth among qualified players, highlighting his decision-making reliability.
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