The Boston Celtics struggled mightily from 3-point range during their 108-105 Eastern Conference semifinal Game 1 overtime home loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, May 5. Their poor shooting display left their fan base livid about their reluctance to switch up their game plan amid their second-half collapse.
Celtics Fans Blast Team for Ice-Cold 3-Point Shooting in Game 1 Loss
Boston finished 15-for-60 from downtown (25%), with its 45 missed 3-pointers setting a single-game postseason record. This includes its star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining to shoot just 5-for-25 from long distance (20%).
Despite their shooting woes, the defending NBA champions kept launching 3s throughout the second half as they watched their 20-point third-quarter lead dissipate. The Celtics went only 2-for-15 from beyond the arc (13.3%) in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 25-16.
Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson led a furious rally to force overtime, where his team’s defense prevailed. Wing Mikal Bridges secured numerous key stops, including stealing the ball from Brown with New York leading 108-105 in the final two seconds. The C’s ultimately mustered just five points in overtime, with their offensive play style coming under scrutiny postgame.
Fans on X didn’t take too kindly to Boston’s high-volume perimeter shooting woes. Many asserted that the team’s overreliance on long-range looks amid its late-game meltdown was inexcusable.
“This is straight out embarrassing especially at home,” one fan said.
This is straight out embarrassing especially at home
— DeAndre (@AndreNodora)
“Unacceptable, They beat themselves,” another wrote.
“45 missed threes is crazy work. If you would’ve drove on half those baskets we would’ve won tonight,” one user commented.
“Just jacking up stuff the whole game…,” another remarked.
Just jacking up stuff the whole game…
— zay (@zayisresults)
Meanwhile, others took aim at Tatum for headlining his team’s shooting slump. The six-time All-Star missed all seven of his fourth-quarter field-goal attempts, including five from deep.
“You can thank TaBum for that,” one fan wrote.
“jayson tatum is dog s***,” another added.
“thanks to jayson tatum…,” one more chimed in.
thanks to jayson tatum…
— desire (@dgsire)
Celtics Continue To Live and Die by the 3
Boston going all-in on 3-point shooting is nothing new, as the franchise set numerous long-distance shooting records during the regular season. This includes breaking the NBA’s mark for most triples made (17.8) and attempted per game (48.2).
Despite their inaccuracy in Game 1, the Celtics still had ample opportunities to seize control of the contest down the stretch. Thus, assuming more of their shots fall in Game 2, they should be primed for a bounce-back showing.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night, May 7, in Boston, where the Celtics will look to avoid a daunting 2-0 series deficit.
