The New York Knicks have pulled off the unthinkable — again. In back-to-back games, the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics, winning 91-90 at TD Garden in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. They now hold a stunning 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
For the second time in three nights, the Celtics built a commanding lead, only to see it vanish in the final minutes. With just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Boston led by 20. But from that point forward, the Knicks closed the game on a dominant 38-17 run, capitalizing on poor Celtics shot selection and clutch performances from unexpected places.
Jalen Brunson, who had struggled most of the night, scored nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Mikal Bridges — held scoreless for three quarters — erupted for 14 points in the final frame and delivered the game-clinching stop on defense.
The unsung hero of the night was Josh Hart, who posted a team-high 23 points while contributing across the board in rebounds and hustle plays. His intensity helped New York claw back into the game and steal the momentum late.
The Celtics, despite strong first-half play from Jaylen Brown (20 points), faltered down the stretch. Jayson Tatum shot just 5-for-19 from the field and turned the ball over on Boston’s final possession, failing to even attempt a game-winning shot. The team shot a woeful 36.2% from the field and just 25% from beyond the arc.
The Knicks are now the first team in NBA playoff history to win consecutive games after trailing by 20 or more points. It’s a historic moment that has shaken the Eastern Conference landscape — and left Boston searching for answers.
With Game 3 set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET in New York, the pressure is fully on the Celtics, who now face the daunting task of trying to become just the sixth team in NBA history to recover from losing the first two games of a series at home.
From buzzer-beaters to historic collapses, this week may go down as one of the most chaotic and thrilling stretches in NBA playoff history. And with the Knicks rewriting the record books, the postseason drama is just getting started.
In Game 1, the Knicks had also shown their resilience, overcoming a late-game deficit to win 108-105 in overtime. This momentum has clearly carried into Game 2, where they demonstrated an impressive ability to perform under pressure.
As both teams head into Game 3, the Celtics will need to address their shooting woes, particularly from beyond the arc. In Game 2, they managed to hit only 25% of their three-point attempts, while the Knicks struggled but still managed to convert 29% of theirs.
In terms of individual performances, Josh Hart’s contribution was vital to the Knicks’ success. He not only led the team in scoring but also provided key defensive plays that helped turn the tide in favor of New York. His ability to step up when it mattered most has made him a crucial asset for the Knicks this postseason.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown’s scoring was not enough to secure a win, especially as he struggled with his shooting efficiency. Jayson Tatum’s inability to find his rhythm in crucial moments has raised questions about the Celtics’ offensive strategy moving forward.
The Knicks’ victory in Game 2 marks a significant step in their playoff journey, but the series is far from over. With two more games to play in New York, the Celtics have a chance to regroup and potentially turn the series around.
As the teams prepare for their next matchup, fans are eager to see if the Celtics can bounce back or if the Knicks will continue their historic run. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the excitement surrounding this series is palpable.
Looking ahead to Game 3, the Knicks will aim to maintain their momentum, while the Celtics will be under immense pressure to secure a win in front of their home crowd. The outcome of this series could very well hinge on the performances of their star players and how well they can adapt to the high-pressure playoff environment.
With the Knicks already making history, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if they can continue their remarkable run or if the Celtics can find a way to reclaim their footing in this tightly contested series. The drama of the playoffs is just beginning, and both teams are ready to battle it out for a chance at the Eastern Conference Finals.
