Jalen Brunson's early-game struggles another issue for Knicks
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Jalen Brunson has found his shot in the fourth quarter of each game of this Eastern Conference semifinal series.

However, he has faced challenges during the initial three periods, a trend that continued in the Celtics’ dominant 115-93 victory over the Knicks in Game 3, reducing the Knicks’ series lead.

Brunson finished with a team-high 27 points, but eight of those came over the final 12 minutes after the result was well in hand.

During Game 2, he managed to put up nine points in the last 4 minutes and 39 seconds of the game, which included crucial game-winning free throws with just 12.7 seconds remaining. Additionally, he contributed 11 points in the fourth quarter of the series opener.

In the first three quarters across all three games, Brunson is shooting 36.5 percent from the field.

Looking at his overall performance in the series, he has a slightly lower shooting percentage at 38.1%, a decrease from his 43.6% accuracy against the Pistons in the first round. Nonetheless, this dip in performance is unlikely to shake his confidence.

“Continue to shoot my shot, do the things I work on, continue to stay confident, that’s the biggest thing,” he said. “Just trust what I do. That’s basically it right there.”


Jalen Brunson wears a dejected expression after the Knicks' 115-93 Game 3 blowout loss to the Celtics on May 10, 2025.
Jalen Brunson wears a dejected expression after the Knicks’ 115-93 Game 3 blowout loss to the Celtics on May 10, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Rebounding has been a postseason-long issue for the Knicks.

They have lost the battle on the boards in six of nine games.



While they did outrebound the Celtics by one Saturday, Boston still had 12 offensive rebounds that turned into 18 second-chance points, 14 of those coming in the lopsided first half.


Jalen Brunson looks to make a move around Al Horford during the Knicks' Game 3 blowout loss to the Celtics.
Jalen Brunson looks to make a move around Al Horford during the Knicks’ Game 3 blowout loss to the Celtics. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Celtics reserve forward Sam Hauser (sprained right ankle) remained out. He also missed Game 2.



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Al Horford started for Boston in place of Kristaps Porzingis for a second straight game and was terrific.

The 38-year-old forward enjoyed his best performance of the series, producing 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 35 strong minutes.


The Celtics improved to 3-1 on the road in the playoffs after going an NBA-best 33-8 during the regular season away from home.

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