The New York Knicks are coming home with a remarkable and unexpected 2-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics. The Knicks entered the second-round playoff series as underdogs, but following an overtime thriller in Game 1 and another wild 20-point comeback in Game 2, they have stunned the defending NBA champions. That’s right, the Knicks were down 20 points in the third quarter again, and again, they came back to win against the Celtics.
Game 3 will tip-off at 3:30 p.m. ET today, May 10, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fans can catch the action live on ABC, with streaming available on DIRECTV. This is the first time the series is heading to New York, where the Knicks will play in front of their home crowd.
The Knicks won Game 1 in dramatic fashion, edging the Celtics 108-105 in overtime. Game 2 was equally thrilling, with the Knicks pulling off a stunning 91-90 victory, overcoming a significant deficit and showcasing their resilience. In both games, the Knicks displayed a tenacity that has become their hallmark this postseason, particularly in the fourth quarter.
During Game 2, the Celtics held a commanding 73-53 lead with just over two minutes left in the third quarter before the Knicks unleashed a furious comeback. They closed the game on a 38-17 run, outscoring Boston by 13 in the fourth quarter. Mikal Bridges was a standout performer, scoring all 14 of his points in the final period, including pivotal baskets that helped secure the win. His defensive prowess was also on display as he sealed the victory with a crucial steal.
The Celtics, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain their leads. They have blown significant advantages in both games, raising concerns about their ability to handle pressure in clutch situations. In the fourth quarters of this series, Boston has been outscored by a staggering 55-33 margin. Their shooting has also faltered, particularly from beyond the arc. In Game 1, they set a record for the most missed three-pointers in a playoff game with 45, and in Game 2, they missed 30 more, bringing their total to 25-of-100 from three-point range across the first two games.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can rebound from their disappointing performances. They are currently 6-point favorites for Game 3, with an over/under set at 207 points. The Celtics have shown they can score, averaging 116.3 points per game this season, but they will need to find a way to break through the Knicks' defense.
Jayson Tatum has been a key player for Boston, averaging 26.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the playoffs. However, he and his teammates will need to elevate their performance if they hope to avoid falling into a 3-0 series hole. The Celtics have won 59 of the 77 contests in which they were favored this season, but their recent form raises questions about their consistency.
For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns has been instrumental, contributing 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. Jalen Brunson has also been a standout, averaging 29.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.6 assists during the postseason. The Knicks' ability to execute in high-pressure situations has been a significant factor in their success thus far.
As the teams prepare for Game 3, the stakes could not be higher. The Celtics are on the brink of elimination, and a loss today would put them in a dire position. Conversely, a win for the Knicks would place them just one game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, a remarkable achievement for a team that many viewed as underdogs.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, while Game 5, if necessary, will take place on Wednesday, May 14. The potential for a dramatic series continues to build as both teams vie for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.
The excitement surrounding this matchup is palpable, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another thrilling installment in this fierce rivalry. With the Knicks riding high on their recent successes and the Celtics desperate to turn their fortunes around, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden is sure to be electric.
