3 Things Jalen Brunson, Knicks must do to defeat Celtics in Game 3

The New York Knicks head into Game 3 versus the Boston Celtics with the opportunity to deliver a knockout punch.

Here are three things the Knicks must do to win Game 3 and push the defending champions to the brink.

1. Keep the defensive intensity at level 100

New York’s wings have been absolute dogs on the defensive end, and that cannot change just because the Knicks are playing on their home floor in Game 3. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart must continue to disrupt Boston’s offense with physical perimeter defense and incredible rotations … for 48 minutes.

The Knicks sustained their intensity from start to finish in Games 1 and 2, something the Celtics failed to do and paid dearly for. New York might not be the more talented team in this series, but it’s certainly been the hardest-playing team. That can’t change even for one minute in Game 3. Boston is expected to play with desperation, and the Knicks have to be prepared to match that energy.

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2. Stay competitive on the boards

New York has been out-rebounded in both games in this series, but it sure hasn’t felt like it. The Celtics are the much bigger team, but once again, the Knicks have made up for it with amazing effort, exemplified by the way Hart crashes the glass with reckless abandon.

Boston is vulnerable right now down low with Kristaps Porzingis in a weakened physical state. Al Horford will continue to battle like the warrior that he is, but there is only so much Horford will be able to control on the boards if the Knicks send all five of their guys flying for every rebound.

3. Jalen Brunson must have another big scoring game

Brunson needs to maintain his offensive dominance for the Knicks to win Game 3 (and this series). The former Villanova guard only scored 17 points in Game 2 (well below his average), but he attracted a ton of gravity after a 29-point Game 1 and was clutch when it mattered down the stretch.

Behind MVP-level play from Brunson, the Knicks have a chance to knock off the champs.

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