BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics find themselves in a precarious position as they face a 0-2 deficit against the New York Knicks in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Celtics suffered a heartbreaking 91-90 loss in Game 2 on Wednesday night at TD Garden, leaving them with a mountain to climb as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The Celtics, who were heavily favored to win the series, have struggled to find their rhythm, particularly with star center Kristaps Porzingis battling a lingering illness that has limited his effectiveness on the court. Porzingis played just 14 minutes in Game 2, scoring eight points and grabbing four rebounds, but his performance was hampered by the same viral illness that previously sidelined him for eight games during the regular season.
“I don’t know how to call it, but I’m just not feeling my best. I’m not feeling my best at all,” Porzingis said after the game. “It kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment. I’m super appreciative of the support that I have inside [the team], and also probably from the fans during this tough moment.”
Porzingis was upgraded from probable to available just before the game, but it was evident that he was still not at full strength. He entered the game with 2 minutes and 39 seconds left in the first quarter, marking only the fifth time in his career that he came off the bench. In contrast, he was unable to score in 13 minutes during Boston's Game 1 loss, where he finished with four rebounds and an assist.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the difficulties Porzingis has faced due to his illness, stating, “Since he came back, I think he’s kind of been dealing with it on and off, fighting through it, working through it, doing the best that he can and I think it was just too much for him in that game.”
Despite the setbacks, Porzingis remains optimistic. “In a way, it kinda takes all the pressure off of us,” he noted. “If you check the odds, maybe the Knicks are the favorites now to win. We were expected to win, so for us to be in this hole right now, with our backs against the wall, we have nothing to lose.”
The Celtics had built a 20-point lead in the first half, but a lack of execution in the second half allowed the Knicks to claw back and ultimately secure the win. This pattern of letting significant leads slip away has frustrated both players and coaches alike.
“It’s tough for me to not be able to be with the guys,” Porzingis expressed. “It’s not an injury or anything, but just not feeling my best, and it’s tough for me, honestly. But who cares? Nobody feels sorry for us, sorry for me, and we have to keep going.”
Porzingis had been a key player for the Celtics leading up to the playoffs, averaging 21.1 points and shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc over the last 10 games of the regular season after returning from his illness in mid-March. However, that momentum has not translated into the postseason, and the Celtics are now left searching for answers.
The upcoming Game 3 in New York will be crucial for Boston as they try to regain their footing in the series. Porzingis, while still battling his illness, is determined to contribute in any way he can. “It’s still a lot of basketball left to play, and let’s see where it goes,” he said with a hint of resolve.
As the Celtics prepare for the pivotal matchup, they will need to rally together and find a way to overcome the challenges they face, both on and off the court. The support from the fans and the organization will be vital as they look to turn the tide against their rivals.
With the series shifting to New York, the Celtics are hoping that a change of scenery will spark the turnaround they desperately need. The team knows that they must play with urgency and determination to avoid falling deeper into a series hole that could jeopardize their championship aspirations.
Game 3 promises to be an intense battle, and with Porzingis’s health still a question mark, the Celtics will need to step up their game if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. The stakes couldn’t be higher as they look to claw back into the series and prove their doubters wrong.
