The Boston Celtics secured their first win of the Eastern Conference semifinals and the Minnesota Timberwolves took a second-round series lead during Saturday night 2025 NBA playoffs action. The Celtics routed the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden to cut the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.

The key to victory in Game 3 was the return of elite perimeter shooting, and also championship defense. The Celtics held New York to 93 points on just 40.0% shooting from the field and limited the Knicks to just five three-pointers (5-25).

The Celtics found their stroke to build a big lead early, but it was playing their brand of basketball that made it possible from tip to final buzzer.