The Boston Celtics faced a heartbreaking defeat against the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series on May 8, 2025, losing 91-90 after leading by as much as 20 points. This loss marked a continuation of the Celtics' struggles, as they had previously lost to the Knicks in Game 1, which also featured a dramatic comeback by New York.
In the early stages of the game, both teams struggled to find their shooting rhythm. The Celtics managed to build a lead, ending the first quarter with a score of 24-13, largely thanks to their solid defense which limited the Knicks to just 13 points. Jalen Brunson of the Knicks had a particularly tough start, scoring only 2 points in the first quarter.
As the second quarter progressed, the Celtics maintained their lead, going into halftime ahead 50-41. Jaylen Brown was instrumental for Boston, scoring 17 points in the first half. However, the Celtics' shooting woes persisted, particularly from beyond the arc where they struggled to find their mark.
The third quarter saw the Celtics extend their lead to 20 points, bolstered by a strong performance from Jayson Tatum, who began to find his footing after a rough start. However, the Knicks began to chip away at the deficit, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing a key role in the resurgence. Towns finished the game with 21 points and 17 rebounds, providing a strong presence on both ends of the court.
Despite the Celtics' commanding lead, the Knicks rallied in the fourth quarter, driven by a furious 28-13 run that culminated in them taking the lead late in the game. Mikal Bridges, who had been quiet for much of the game, exploded for 14 points in the final quarter, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
With just 2.1 seconds left on the clock, the Celtics had a chance to secure the victory. Jayson Tatum, who had been a key player throughout the game, attempted to drive to the basket but was stripped of the ball by Mikal Bridges, resulting in a turnover that sealed the Celtics' fate.
In the final moments, Jalen Brunson made crucial free throws to give the Knicks a 91-90 lead, and despite Tatum's late dunk that briefly put the Celtics ahead, Brunson's free throws proved decisive. The Knicks' ability to come back from significant deficits in both games has left the Celtics reeling, as they now find themselves down 0-2 in the series.
For the Knicks, Josh Hart led the scoring with 23 points, while Brunson contributed 17 points and 7 assists. The team's resilience has been on full display, as they have successfully executed two remarkable comebacks against the defending champions.
The Celtics will need to regroup quickly as they head into Game 3, facing the daunting task of overcoming a 0-2 deficit in the series. Their shooting must improve if they hope to turn the tide, particularly in their three-point shooting, which has been abysmal throughout the series.
As the series continues, the Celtics' ability to adapt and respond to the Knicks' aggressive play will be crucial. With the next game looming, fans are left wondering if Boston can reclaim their momentum or if New York will continue their impressive run.
