Knicks Stun Celtics Again, Take Commanding 2-0 Lead
The Boston Celtics suffered another agonizing defeat on their home court, falling to the New York Knicks 91-90 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. This marks the second consecutive game where the Knicks have rallied from a significant deficit to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, leaving the Celtics reeling and facing a daunting 2-0 series deficit.
Prior to this remarkable stretch, no team in NBA playoff history had ever overcome 20-point deficits in back-to-back games to secure wins. The Knicks, however, rewrote the record books with a display of relentless defense, precise offensive execution, and unwavering resourcefulness at TD Garden.
The Knicks dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Celtics by a decisive 13 points and closing the game on an impressive 38-17 run. This performance solidified their commanding lead in the series, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The momentum has clearly shifted in favor of the Knicks, who are playing with a level of confidence and determination that the Celtics seem unable to match.
This victory marks the fifth time in their six postseason wins that the Knicks have erased a fourth-quarter deficit, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. While some may consider this trend unsustainable, the Knicks have consistently found ways to win in the clutch, a testament to their mental fortitude and strategic adjustments.
The Knicks’ success starts with their stifling defense, which has been particularly intense in the paint. This defensive pressure forces opposing teams to settle for perimeter jumpers, disrupting their offensive rhythm and creating opportunities for turnovers. On the offensive end, the Knicks are playing with speed, efficiency, and a focus on high-percentage shots, making them a difficult team to defend.
Mikal Bridges emerged as the hero of the game, overcoming a scoreless first three quarters to ignite the Knicks’ comeback in the fourth. After missing all eight of his previous shot attempts, Bridges exploded for 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the final period. His performance was a clear indication of his determination and ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.
Adding to his impactful performance, Bridges secured his second consecutive game-winning steal, further highlighting his value as a two-way player. His defensive prowess and clutch scoring have been instrumental in the Knicks’ success, making him a key player to watch as the series progresses.
The Celtics’ struggles in the fourth quarters have been a major factor in their defeats. They have been outscored by a combined margin of 55-33 in the two games, a staggering net margin of -22. While their shooting slump is certainly a contributing factor, their lack of energy, physicality, and willingness to drive to the basket in the fourth quarters is deeply concerning.
In Game 2, the Celtics held a seemingly comfortable 73-53 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, they allowed the Knicks to outscore them by a margin of 38-17 in the remaining 14 minutes of the game. This collapse highlights the Celtics’ inability to maintain their focus and intensity throughout the game, especially when facing adversity.
While missing shots is a part of the game, the Celtics’ lack of effort and physicality on their home floor for the second game in a row is unacceptable for a team with championship aspirations. Their inability to match the Knicks’ intensity and determination has been a major disappointment for their fans and a significant factor in their series deficit.
The Celtics’ struggles from beyond the arc have been well documented. In Game 1, they set a record for the most missed 3-pointers in a single playoff game, with 45. In Game 2, they missed 30 more, setting another unfortunate record for the most missed 3-pointers in consecutive postseason games.
In the first two games of the series, the Celtics have combined to shoot just 25-of-100 from 3-point range. While cold shooting streaks are inevitable, the Celtics’ reliance on perimeter shots and their failure to adapt their offensive strategy has been a major problem. Instead of driving to the basket and creating opportunities for easy scores, they have continued to settle for contested 3-pointers, playing right into the Knicks’ defensive strategy.
In the fourth quarters of both games, the Celtics have shot a combined 4-of-26 (15.4%) from beyond the arc. Their inability to hit open shots and their over-reliance on 3-pointers has stifled their offense and allowed the Knicks to close the gap.
The Celtics possess talented wings who are capable of driving to the basket and scoring in the paint. At their best, they move the ball effectively, create mismatches, and find open looks. However, they have allowed the ball to stagnate and have resorted to hoisting up contested 3-pointers late in the shot clock, a strategy that has proven costly.
Perhaps complacency or overconfidence stemming from their Game 1 victory played a role in their lackluster performance. The Knicks started Game 2 poorly, missing their first seven shots and falling into an early 7-0 deficit.
The Knicks’ struggles extended throughout the first quarter, as they shot just 26.1% from the field (6-of-23) and 12.5% from 3-point range (1-of-8). Their 13 points in the first quarter represented their lowest-scoring first quarter in a postseason game since 2003.
Kristaps Porziņģis, the Celtics’ stretch center, is arguably their X-factor. His 7-foot-2 frame provides rim protection, but his true value lies in his ability to stretch the floor and draw opposing big men out to the perimeter. However, Porziņģis, who has been battling a non-COVID upper respiratory illness, did not start Wednesday’s game and played just under 14 minutes.
Despite his limited playing time, Porziņģis was effective when he was on the court, scoring eight points on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbing four rebounds, three of which were offensive. His presence on the floor can create space for the Celtics’ other offensive players, but his health and availability remain a concern as the series progresses.
