The Boston Celtics find themselves in a precarious position after a stunning Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs. On May 5, 2025, the Celtics squandered a commanding 20-point lead, ultimately falling 108-105 in overtime at TD Garden. The defeat has left fans and analysts alike questioning the team's reliance on the three-point shot, particularly after setting two playoff records for the most attempts and misses in a single game.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla faced a barrage of questions during a press conference following the game, particularly about the team's struggles from beyond the arc. Boston attempted a staggering 60 three-pointers, converting only 15, which means they left a potential 135 points on the table. Mazzulla, however, remained steadfast in his approach, defending the strategy of shooting threes. "You have to take a look at the process of what we're trying to accomplish, and we were able to accomplish good results for the most part," he said.
Despite the team's historical success with the three-point shot, this particular game was a different story. The Celtics' shooting woes were especially pronounced in the third quarter, where they took 20 shots, with 19 of them being three-pointers. Jayson Tatum, one of the team's star players, attempted seven threes in the fourth quarter but missed all of them, contributing to the team's overall struggles.
"They were able to get out and transition off of some of our misses, and then I think they had a 5-0 run off of offensive rebounds," Mazzulla reflected, acknowledging the Knicks' ability to capitalize on Boston's mistakes. The Celtics' inability to convert open shots not only cost them the game but also raised concerns about their shot selection moving forward.
As Boston prepares for Game 2 on May 7, 2025, the pressure is mounting. Mazzulla's comments about the duality of the situation have garnered attention, especially when he noted, "Man, what a novel idea. That’s a novel concept, huh? Just make them when you’re open." This light-hearted jab at the media reflects the tension surrounding the team's performance, but it also highlights the necessity for improvement.
The Celtics have historically been a strong three-point shooting team, particularly during the 2024-25 regular season, where they averaged 48 attempts per game. However, in the playoffs, the pressure seems to have impacted their shooting confidence. Mazzulla emphasized that the team needs to find a balance between taking good shots and recognizing the flow of the game. "Coaching shot selection is always easy. Hindsight’s always 20/20," he remarked, suggesting that the team needs to adapt its strategy based on game circumstances.
Looking ahead, the Celtics must address their shooting inefficiencies if they hope to level the series against the Knicks. Game 2 will be crucial, as falling behind 2-0 could prove disastrous. The Celtics have a solid track record against the Knicks, having swept their regular-season series, but they will need to rediscover their rhythm from beyond the arc.
In Game 1, the Knicks capitalized on the Celtics' mistakes, shooting over 50% from three-point range in the second half. Mazzulla's comments about the Knicks' shooting performance underscore the need for Boston to tighten its defense and make necessary adjustments. The Celtics' next game will take place at TD Garden, where they will look to regain their home-court advantage.
As the team gears up for this pivotal matchup, the stakes are high. The Celtics' aspirations for a championship banner hinge on their ability to bounce back and demonstrate the resilience that has characterized their season. With players like Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, fans are hopeful that the team can turn things around and make a statement in Game 2.
In addition to focusing on shooting efficiency, the Celtics must also keep an eye on the health of their roster. Kristaps Porzingis, who played only 13 minutes in Game 1 due to a respiratory illness, is expected to be a key player in the upcoming games. His presence on the court could provide the Celtics with the boost they need to secure a victory.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 2, the focus will be on executing their game plan effectively and making the necessary adjustments to their shooting strategy. With the playoffs in full swing, every game matters, and the Celtics are determined to make their mark in this series. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Boston can rebound from their Game 1 disappointment and take the series back on track.
In conclusion, the Celtics' Game 1 loss serves as a wake-up call. With the next game looming, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can rise to the occasion and reclaim their status as championship contenders. The time to act is now, and the Celtics will need to harness their collective energy to overcome the challenges ahead.
