For the third consecutive game in this Eastern Conference semifinal, the Celtics roared to a 20-point lead. But this time, there would be no collapse.

Jaylen Brown led the half with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jayson Tatum added 14 points, three assists, and two rebounds. For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns posted 13 first half points to go with six rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed 12 points before the break.

Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum reacts after shooting a 3-point basket during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Saturday, May 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) AP