Boston Celtics Dominate Third Quarter to Secure Eighth Straight Win
The Boston Celtics have been on fire since the All-Star break, winning their last eight games in a row. One key factor in their recent success has been their dominance in the third quarter, a period that used to plague them but now seems to be their strongest.
Their most recent victory came on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, where they faced off against the New York Knicks. The game was closely contested in the first half, with both teams tied at 64 points apiece just over a minute into the third quarter. However, it didn’t take long for the Celtics to turn the tide in their favor.
Led by Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics went on an impressive 33-13 run in the third quarter. These three players combined for 24 points during this stretch, with Porzingis contributing nine points, Tatum adding eight, and Brown scoring seven. Their efficient shooting, going 9-of-11 from the field, helped the Celtics build a commanding 97-77 lead by the end of the third quarter.
The Celtics’ success in the third quarter was fueled by their hot shooting from beyond the arc. They made nine of their first 11 three-point attempts in the quarter, giving them a significant advantage over the Knicks. This shooting display, combined with their strong defense, allowed the Celtics to cruise to a 116-102 victory.
While the entire Celtics team played well, one player stood out above the rest – Jaylen Brown. Brown had an outstanding performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing eight rebounds, both of which were team highs. He also contributed three assists and a steal, showcasing his all-around skills on both ends of the court. Brown’s impressive first half performance, where he scored 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, set the tone for the Celtics’ dominant third quarter.
In addition to Brown’s stellar performance, the Celtics received contributions from other key players. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points and nine assists, while Porzingis had a solid game against his former team, scoring 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White all played important roles, each dishing out six assists.
The Celtics’ dominance extended beyond their shooting and scoring. They outrebounded the Knicks, particularly on the offensive end, where they grabbed seven of their 10 offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter alone. Al Horford was instrumental in this effort, securing four offensive boards.
Overall, the Celtics’ performance against the Knicks showcased their ability to take control of games in the third quarter. Their hot shooting, strong defense, and contributions from key players like Jaylen Brown propelled them to their eighth straight win. With their recent success, the Celtics are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with as they continue their push towards the playoffs.
As Kristaps Porzingis said after the game, “I prefer any kind of emotion over no emotion. So either it’s cheers or boos, I want it.” The Celtics are certainly giving fans plenty of reasons to cheer with their impressive performances night after night.