In a shocking turn of events, the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, faced an unexpected and humiliating exit from the playoffs. In a do-or-die Game 6 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Celtics found themselves in desperate need of a Mercy Rule as they suffered a crushing defeat. The game was a showcase of their struggles, with the team being outplayed and outmatched, ultimately losing 119-81.
The Celtics managed to stay competitive for just one quarter before the Knicks took control, leaving Boston fans in despair. At one point, the Celtics trailed by 41 points with 1:49 remaining in the third quarter. Jaylen Brown, who fouled out during the third quarter, captured the essence of the night, stating, “Losing to the Knicks feels like death.” This loss was particularly painful for a team that started the season with the goal of repeating as champions.
The Celtics entered the season with high hopes, returning the same roster that led them to last year’s championship. Throughout the year, the prospect of going back-to-back didn’t seem far-fetched, despite the rarity of such achievements in the NBA. However, a series of challenges hindered their progress. The absence of star player Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Game 4, coupled with Kristaps Porzingis’ mysterious illness, severely impacted the team’s performance.
Throughout the playoffs, the Celtics' performance was a far cry from their previous season’s success. They exhibited a troubling lack of urgency, failing to capitalize on multiple opportunities, including blowing 20-point leads in two games and a 14-point lead against the Knicks. The final Game 6 was a complete no-show, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s resolve and strategy.
The Knicks demonstrated a hunger and desperation that the Celtics lacked, bouncing back from double-digit deficits in the first two games to secure an improbable series lead. Despite showing flashes of determination in Game 3 and Game 5, the Celtics ultimately faltered at critical moments against a team they had previously dominated during the regular season.
Under coach Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics struggled with missed three-point shots and turnovers, leading to a lack of offensive and defensive cohesion in vital game segments. Their inability to secure rebounds and stop second-chance points allowed the Knicks to extend their lead, further compounding the Celtics' issues. Even with Tatum on the court, the team’s performance suggested they might not have fared much better.
Derrick White reflected on the challenges of being the defending champion, stating, “Obviously, you win a championship, and you’ve got that target on your back from Day 1. There’s ups and downs through every season. This part sucks. Just wasn’t able to complete the goal we set out to get.” The Celtics are not alone in their struggles; many teams that looked like contenders in previous seasons, including Denver, Toronto, Milwaukee, and the LA Lakers, also failed to repeat.
As the Celtics face a significant offseason, they are aware that this might be the last chance for this core group. With new ownership and a staggering payroll estimated at $228 million, the organization will have tough decisions ahead. Tatum's recovery from injury, Al Horford’s contract status, and Jrue Holiday's performance all pose questions for the team as they look to rebuild.
As the season concludes, Brown, who played through a knee injury, lamented, “Losing stings especially finishing the season like this. It just wasn’t our year.” The team transitioned from a celebratory Duck Boat parade in Boston to hearing the Knicks' fans chant “Na Na Na Na, Hey, Hey, Hey, ... Goodbye” during the final moments of the game. Porzingis summed up the sentiment perfectly: “It was a tough way to end.”
Moving forward, the Celtics must reassess their strategies and roster to ensure a more competitive future, especially with the challenges posed by Tatum’s anticipated absence.
