The Boston Celtics’ aspirations for consecutive NBA titles are in jeopardy following a second consecutive collapse against the New York Knicks. In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics surrendered a 20-point lead, ultimately falling 91-90 at TD Garden. This defeat places Boston in a daunting 0-2 series deficit as the matchup shifts to Madison Square Garden.
Despite a strong first three quarters, the Celtics faltered in the fourth. Boston’s offense stagnated, missing 13 consecutive shots and committing 16 turnovers throughout the game. Jayson Tatum struggled, shooting 5-of-19 from the field and committing a crucial turnover in the closing seconds.
The Knicks capitalized on Boston’s miscues, with Mikal Bridges scoring all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a decisive steal from Tatum to seal the victory.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White led the Celtics in Game 2 with 20 points each, while Tatum (13 points) and Jrue Holiday (10 points) were the only other players to finish in double digits. After the game, Brown was asked about the the team’s approach moving forward and what to lean on for the rest of the series:
“Each other,” the 2024 Finals MVP said. “Opportunity to show what we’re made of. We’ve got to respond.”
Jaylen Brown was asked by @BobbyKrivitsky what the Celtics will lean on being down 2-0:
“Each other. Opportunity to show what we’re made of.”
“We’ve got to respond.” pic.twitter.com/lXkTsxt5Aw
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 8, 2025
As the series progresses to Game 3 on Saturday, May 10, at Madison Square Garden, the Celtics face a critical juncture. The Celtics have not faced a 2-0 deficit since the Eastern Conference Finals series against the Miami Heat in 2023, which they eventually lost in seven games.
It is also worth noting that no defending champion has advanced past the second round of the playoffs since the Golden State Warriors achieved this in 2019.
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