The New York Knicks made NBA history by becoming the first team to win two consecutive playoff games after trailing by 20 points, and they did it on the road. Now they return to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 against the Boston Celtics, looking to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. The Knicks faithful are riding a wave of optimism, fueled not only by their team’s resilience, but also by a perceived cosmic alignment. The recent election of Pope Leo XIV, a 1977 Villanova mathematics graduate, has added a layer of mystique, as three Knicks players-Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart-are Villanova alumni champions. This “Villanova-Knicks” connection has the city buzzing, with fans believing this could be the season the Knicks break their Finals drought, last seen in 1999.
Celtics-Knicks Game 3 Tickets Near Super Bowl Prices
Anticipation for Game 3 at Madison Square Garden has driven ticket prices to unprecedented levels, mirroring the cost of Super Bowl LIX tickets last February. On resale platforms, entry-level tickets are hovering around $700 before fees, while lower-level seats often exceed $2,000 each – figures that rival the high stakes of the NFL’s championship game. This is in stark contrast to last year’s second-round home game against the Pacers, when the cheapest tickets started at $300.
Demand has skyrocketed, with prices for Game 3 nearly doubling since the series began just three days ago. Monday’s Game 4 and a potential Game 6 on May 16 are following a similar trend, with get-in price hovering around $600. The “World’s Most Famous Arena” is expected to be packed with celebrities and a raucous crowd, a testament to the Knicks’ playoff magic. Even before returning home, fans gathered outside MSG to watch Game 2 on a giant outdoor screen, signaling the electric atmosphere that awaits the Celtics.
What to Expect in Game 3
The Knicks’ road success – five straight playoff wins on the road, all by three points or less, an NBA record – suggests they thrive under pressure, but the series is far from over. The Celtics, still the defending champions, are desperate to avoid a 3-0 series deficit, a hole no team in NBA history has ever climbed out of. Boston’s struggle to close out games, especially in the fourth quarter, has been its Achilles heel, allowing New York’s never-say-die attitude to shine. Players like Mr. Clutch Jalen Brunson, and a defense that wears down opponents make the Knicks a formidable foe at home.
As the Knicks prepare to host the Celtics, the challenge is to maintain their momentum while taking advantage of Boston’s shooting woes, especially in the clutch. The Celtics have underperformed from beyond the arc throughout the series, going 25-for-100 (25%) from three-point range in the first two games, a statistic that coach Joe Mazzulla must address.
Jayson Tatum’s disappearance in the fourth quarter has been particularly concerning, a trend the Knicks will look to capitalize on. For New York, this game represents their best chance to advance, though the task is daunting against a team looking to become the first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. The MSG faithful, known for their intensity, will be a sixth man, but the Celtics’ experience and talent mean this will be anything but a cakewalk. The Knicks’ belief in their destiny, combined with their home-court advantage, sets the stage for a memorable showdown.
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