BOSTON — The Boston Celtics faced a crushing defeat against the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, falling 91-90 at TD Garden. This loss marks a significant setback for the defending NBA champions, who now find themselves in a daunting 2-0 series deficit as they head to New York for the next two games.
In a familiar pattern, the Celtics squandered a commanding 20-point lead, mirroring their performance in Game 1 where they also let a significant advantage slip away. The fourth quarter proved to be particularly disastrous for Boston, as they managed to score only 17 points, failing to capitalize on multiple opportunities to secure a victory.
With just 13 seconds left on the clock and trailing by one point, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla made a controversial decision not to call a timeout, a choice that left many fans bewildered. The Celtics' final possession ended in a turnover by star forward Jayson Tatum, sealing their fate and leaving the crowd in stunned silence. "No timeout Fire Mazzulla," one frustrated fan expressed on social media. Another added, "Call a timeout and draw up a play. It's a simple sport." The call for Mazzulla's dismissal has grown louder among the fanbase, with one supporter stating, "Two straight losses like that is totally disqualifying. Sorry."
Despite the mounting pressure, Mazzulla's job security remains a topic of heated debate. While he led the Celtics to an NBA championship just last season, the current playoff performance has many questioning his decisions. The Celtics must now regroup and find a way to win at least one game at Madison Square Garden to keep their championship hopes alive.
On a slightly brighter note for the Celtics, Jrue Holiday was honored with the 2025 NBA Social Justice Champion award prior to the game, a recognition named after the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Holiday, known for his character both on and off the court, has previously won the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award three times and the NBA Sportsmanship award twice. Mazzulla praised Holiday's accomplishments, saying, "It’s bigger than basketball. We have a lot of guys with high-level character. It’s great to see that get noticed and I’m happy for Jrue."
Meanwhile, the Knicks have shown remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs, boasting a perfect 4-0 record on the road this postseason. Their victory in Game 1 was particularly impressive, as they overcame a 20-point deficit to snatch home-court advantage from the Celtics. New York shot 45% from beyond the arc in that game, a stark contrast to Boston's dismal 25% shooting performance.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, the Celtics are under immense pressure to perform. Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins emphasized the importance of Game 2, stating, "If [the Celtics] go down 0-2, this series is over with. You better win Game 2. Hell yeah, it's a must-win for the Boston Celtics." The stakes couldn't be higher as Boston prepares to face a Knicks team that has already proven it can win on the road.
In the first game of the series, the Celtics set an NBA playoff record by missing 45 three-point attempts, shooting only 15-for-60 from deep. Coach Mazzulla expressed frustration over the missed opportunities, stating, “I loved the majority of our shots. There was probably 10 or 11 you could probably take back considering the ebbs and flows of how the game was going at that particular time.” Despite the disappointment, he remains optimistic about his team's chances to bounce back.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will need to make significant adjustments to their shooting strategy to avoid falling further behind in the series. With Kristaps Porzingis returning to action after missing Game 1 due to illness, Boston hopes to benefit from his presence on the court. Porzingis had a tough outing in Game 1, finishing scoreless in 13 minutes, but his return could provide the Celtics with the boost they need.
However, not all news is positive for Boston. Sam Hauser was ruled out for Game 2 due to a right ankle sprain, adding to the team's injury woes. Hauser struggled in Game 1, going 0-2 from three-point range in just four minutes of play, and his absence will be felt as the Celtics look to regain their shooting touch.
As the series continues, the Celtics face a pivotal moment in their playoff journey. They must find a way to break through the Knicks' defense and convert their scoring opportunities to avoid an early exit from the postseason. The pressure is on, and the eyes of the basketball world will be watching closely as the Celtics aim to turn the tide in their favor.
With the next game looming on the horizon, the Celtics are determined to learn from their mistakes and rise to the occasion. The journey is far from over, but they must act quickly if they hope to keep their championship defense alive.
