The New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics with a monster comeback for the second time in a row, taking a 2-0 lead in their second-round playoff series. In a thrilling Game 2 at TD Garden on May 7, 2025, the Knicks clinched a narrow 91-90 victory, showcasing their resilience and determination. The game was marked by a remarkable 21-2 run that shifted the momentum in favor of the Knicks, with late-game heroics from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges sealing the deal.
Brunson played a pivotal role in the closing moments, calmly sinking two free throws with just 12 seconds left on the clock to give the Knicks a crucial lead. Meanwhile, Bridges demonstrated his defensive prowess by forcing a turnover from Celtics star Jayson Tatum on Boston's final possession, ensuring the Knicks would leave Boston with a commanding series lead.
Despite leading by 20 points late in the third quarter, the Celtics found themselves on the wrong end of a stunning collapse. Boston's shooting woes continued, as they managed to hit only 10 of their 40 attempts from beyond the arc throughout the game. Tatum, who has struggled in the series, finished with a disappointing 5-of-19 shooting performance, while Jaylen Brown recorded six turnovers against just one assist.
The Celtics entered Game 2 looking to bounce back after a lackluster performance in Game 1, where they shot a dismal 15-of-60 from three-point range. They started strong, with Derrick White hitting several triples and Brown attacking the lane, allowing Boston to build a significant lead. However, as the Knicks began to chip away at the deficit, the Celtics' offense went cold, failing to capitalize on open looks that could have sealed the game.
As the game progressed, the Knicks found their rhythm, with Josh Hart and Bridges leading the charge during the pivotal 21-2 run. Hart's contributions were vital, as he scored a game-high 23 points, proving to be a consistent threat throughout the match. The Knicks' ability to adapt and respond to adversity has been a hallmark of their playoff journey, reflecting their growth as a team.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised Bridges for his performance, stating, "He just keeps marching forward. He doesn’t get too high, he doesn’t get too low. He’s a great competitor." Bridges, who was scoreless through three quarters, exploded for 14 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
In stark contrast, Tatum's struggles have raised concerns for the Celtics. With only 13 points on 5-of-20 shooting in Game 2, he has been unable to find his offensive rhythm. Over the first two games of the series, Tatum has shot just 12-of-43, leaving fans and analysts questioning his performance under pressure. After the game, Brown acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "Two games we were up 20 points, and somehow we come out not with wins. It’s inexcusable. But we’re going to learn from it. We’re going to respond."
The Celtics' shooting issues have been glaring, as they followed up their 25 percent shooting performance from three-point range in Game 1 with another identical showing in Game 2. The team has struggled to find their identity, which was once defined by their versatility and three-point shooting prowess. With the series shifting to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4, the Celtics must find a way to regain their form and avoid falling into a deeper hole.
In the aftermath of the game, a fire alarm was triggered at TD Garden, leading to a brief evacuation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident caused Jayson Tatum's planned interview session to be canceled. The alarm blared as Knicks players were concluding their postgame interviews, abruptly ending the media availability for the Celtics.
As the Knicks prepare for their upcoming home games, they aim to capitalize on their momentum and continue their strong playoff performance. The Celtics, on the other hand, face a critical juncture in their season. With only four teams historically overcoming a two-game deficit at home in a seven-game series, Boston must regroup and find a way to execute their game plan effectively.
The Knicks' impressive victories have showcased their ability to perform under pressure, while the Celtics must address their shooting woes and find a way to support their stars. The upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs. With the series now headed to New York, fans can expect an intense atmosphere as both teams look to assert their dominance in this thrilling Eastern Conference matchup.
