In a thrilling display of resilience, the New York Knicks staged a remarkable comeback against the Boston Celtics, winning 91-90 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 7, 2025 (Japan time May 8, 2025). This victory not only marked the Knicks' second straight win in the series but also put them in a commanding 2-0 lead.
The Knicks faced an uphill battle throughout the game, trailing by as many as 20 points during the third quarter. After a dismal start, where they ended the first quarter 13-24, the Knicks managed to close the gap to 41-50 by halftime. However, it was in the third quarter that the Celtics capitalized on their momentum, extending their lead to 20 points at one stage, leaving the Knicks in a precarious position.
As the fourth quarter commenced, the Knicks needed a spark to ignite their comeback, and they found it in Mikal Bridges. The forward not only contributed offensively but also played a pivotal role defensively. With under two minutes remaining, Bridges made crucial consecutive scores and showcased his defensive prowess by blocking Jayson Tatum's fadeaway shot in the dying seconds of the game.
Jalen Brunson was instrumental in the Knicks' late-game success. With just 12.7 seconds left on the clock, he sank two free throws to give the Knicks a narrow 91-90 lead. Brunson's fadeaway shot with 1 minute and 59 seconds remaining had already put the Knicks in front for the first time in the game, demonstrating his clutch performance under pressure.
Leading the Knicks in scoring was Josh Hart, who poured in 23 points, complemented by 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Julius Randle also had a standout game, posting a double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Jalen Brunson finished with 17 points and 7 assists, while Mikal Bridges rounded out the scoring with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
On the other side, the Celtics, who are the reigning NBA champions, struggled to maintain their shooting accuracy. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown each scored 20 points, while Tatum managed 13 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Despite leading for most of the game, the Celtics could not secure the win, marking a disappointing start to their playoff campaign.
The Knicks' victory is significant not only for the series but also historically, as teams that win the first two games of a playoff series on the road have an 85.7% chance of winning the series. This statistic looms large as the teams prepare for Game 3, which will be held at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2025 (Japan time May 11, 2025).
As the series progresses, the Knicks will look to build on their momentum, aiming for a strong home-court performance. Meanwhile, the Celtics must regroup and address their shooting woes if they hope to turn the tide in this hard-fought series.
