NBA Playoffs: Celtics and Timberwolves Win Game 3
The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves both claimed important wins in Game 3 of their NBA Playoff series on Saturday night.
In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics beat the New York Knicks 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. After losing the first two games in Boston—despite leading by 20 points in both—the Celtics bounced back strongly at Madison Square Garden.
Boston led 71-46 at halftime and stayed in control to secure a vital win. They made 50% of their three-point shots, something they had struggled with earlier in the series. Payton Pritchard scored 23 points for the Celtics, while star forward Jayson Tatum added 22. Jalen Brunson was the top scorer of the game with 27 points for the Knicks.
In the Western Conference, the Timberwolves edged past the Golden State Warriors with a 102-97 victory, giving them a 2-1 lead in their playoff series.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 points. Julius Randle also impressed with a triple-double—24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Despite strong efforts from Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 30 points off the bench, and Jimmy Butler with 33 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, the Warriors struggled without Stephen Curry. The star guard remains out with a hamstring injury picked up in Game 1.
The Celtics and Timberwolves now look to build on their momentum as the series continues.
