NEW YORK – Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated that the days leading up to Game 3 against the New York Knicks were not challenging at all. Despite being down 2-0 after squandering two 20-point leads, Mazzulla noted, “this is the fun part; you don’t embark on your journey for it to be easy. It’s been tough, but in a good way.”

In these circumstances, “you just have to draw from your darkness, that’s all,” he expressed.

Of course, Mazzulla would say that, considering he has shown the Celtics clips of hyenas and killer whales hunting their prey. However, guard Payton Pritchard explained that Boston kept it simple after Game 2; they aimed to lift the mood.

“We identified areas for improvement; it boiled down to being more self-assured and letting it go,” Pritchard commented. “Don’t hesitate on a good shot. When you come off a ball screen, take it—ignore what others are saying, ‘We shoot too many 3s’—if you trust your shot and can make it, take it with conviction.”

In Game 3, Boston demonstrated confidence, shooting 20 for 40 from 3-point range at Madison Square Garden, a stark contrast from their previous 10 for 40 performance at TD Garden. Pritchard exemplified the team’s approach with 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting (5-for-10 from beyond the arc) in 35 minutes, solidifying the kind of performance that earned him the Sixth Man of the Year title this season.

Mazzulla emphasized the importance of finishing quarters and handling the ball after Game 2. Pritchard remarked, “It’s about controlling momentum plays” as Boston sought to limit transition opportunities for the Knicks and prevent similar breakdowns that gave New York an advantage in Games 1 and 2. While Boston wasn’t flawless in Game 3, they managed to avoid critical turnovers, only committing a handful.

Neither Jayson Tatum nor Brown had particularly efficient scoring games, yet their performance was overshadowed by Pritchard’s contributions. He drew defenders and created open shots, displaying a keen ability to navigate on the court. “Payton was immense, Payton was fantastic,” Brown acknowledged, highlighting Pritchard’s skill at making crucial plays against a physically imposing Knicks team. After Game 3, Pritchard expressed his intent to remain aggressive: “Whenever I see an opportunity, I drive for the paint, but I’m always pursuing the 3-pointer, that’s a given.”

Mazzulla noted that while Boston’s shooting was significantly improved, their overall gameplay still had room for growth. They managed to secure a comfortable 22-point victory on the road despite the star players struggling to find their rhythm offensively.