BOSTON — The New York Knicks have once again proven their resilience, securing two remarkable comebacks against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After trailing by 20 points in both Game 1 and Game 2, the Knicks delivered impressive performances on both ends of the court, leading to two unforgettable victories. The latest triumph was a nail-biting 92-91 win that puts the Knicks ahead 2-0 in the series against the defending NBA champions.
Throughout Game 2, the Knicks faced significant adversity, with the Celtics leading 73-53 at one point. However, the Knicks made a stunning 38-17 rally in the final 15 minutes of the game. Jalen Brunson clinched the win by sinking critical free throws with just 12.7 seconds remaining, while Mikal Bridges made a crucial defensive stop that sealed the victory. "That’s the playoffs,” remarked Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau after the game. “You gotta keep fighting. Every possession matters and you got to play all 48 minutes.”
In a familiar pattern, the Knicks struggled early in Game 2, going scoreless on their first nine possessions. They managed only four points with just over four minutes left in the first quarter and scored a mere 33 points combined in the first and third quarters. Despite the Celtics' struggles, which mirrored their performance in Game 1, Boston maintained a 16-point lead with 8.5 minutes remaining.
However, the Celtics faltered, scoring only once during a stretch of 12 possessions while the Knicks found their rhythm. Brunson played a pivotal role in the Knicks' comeback, switching onto Jaylen Brown in critical moments and contributing defensively. After the Knicks surged ahead with a 19-2 run, Jayson Tatum managed to get to the line, but the Knicks' defense held firm when it mattered most. In the closing moments, Bridges' defensive skills shone through as he thwarted Tatum’s attempts to score, securing the Knicks' victory.
Despite starting the fourth quarter without scoring a single point, Mikal Bridges came alive, ultimately scoring 14 of the Knicks’ 30 points in the final period. His impressive performance included six field goals, surpassing the Celtics’ total output in those closing minutes. Bridges quickly turned his game around, scoring nine of the Knicks’ first 11 points in the fourth quarter, helping the team narrow the deficit significantly.
Bridges' contributions were crucial, as he repeatedly beat Jrue Holiday in one-on-one situations. His ability to score and maintain pressure on the Celtics was a key factor in the Knicks' comeback. Moreover, he capped off his fourth-quarter performance with a game-saving defensive play.
In a surprising twist, Josh Hart emerged as the game’s leading scorer, contributing 23 points on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting performance. The Celtics' defensive strategy often left Hart open, allowing him to capitalize on their lapses. Despite being labeled a non-shooter, Hart demonstrated his shooting prowess, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2.
His impactful plays included crucial offensive rebounds and assists, allowing the Knicks to maintain pressure and momentum. "He’s real clever," Coach Thibodeau noted. "He plays a lot bigger than his size. The rebounding, but also the finishing ability inside. If you leave him open, he’s not hesitating." Hart’s performance will be vital as the series progresses and could determine the Knicks' chances of advancing further.
Conversely, Kristaps Porziņģis has struggled to make an impact in the series. After a lackluster performance in Game 1 where he did not score, he returned for Game 2 but came off the bench due to health concerns. Porziņģis managed to score eight points in limited minutes, but his presence was still largely felt as he signaled to the bench for an early exit due to ongoing issues.
The Celtics' performance has raised concerns, as they became the first team in nearly three decades to lose multiple playoff games after leading by 20 points. With the weight of championship expectations and the pressure of their current situation, the Celtics must find a way to regroup as they head into Game 3. "It’s an opportunity to show what we’re made of,” Brown stated. “We got to respond.”
As the series moves to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, the Celtics will aim to regain their footing against a Knicks team that has proven it can overcome significant odds. Fans are eager to see if the Celtics can summon their championship heart and turn the tide in this gripping playoff series.
