In a stunning display of resilience, the New York Knicks staged a historic 20-point comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series, solidifying their lead with a 2-0 advantage. This marks the first time in the last 25 years that a team has overcome a 20-point deficit in consecutive playoff games. The Knicks now head home for Game 3, buoyed by their remarkable performance.
The game unfolded dramatically as the Knicks found themselves down by as much as 20 points in the second half. The Celtics, led by stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, initially appeared in control, building a substantial lead thanks to strong shooting and defensive efforts. However, the tide turned in the fourth quarter, as the Knicks capitalized on Boston’s offensive struggles.
With just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Knicks were trailing by 12 points, but a series of missed shots by Boston opened the door for a comeback. The Knicks’ Josh Hart initiated a scoring run with a floater, narrowing the gap to five points. A critical putback by Karl-Anthony Towns cut the lead to one, before Jalen Brunson put the Knicks ahead for the first time at 87-86.
The Celtics, needing a defensive stop, struggled to regain their composure. Tatum managed to briefly put Boston back in the lead with a late basket, but the Knicks responded effectively. Brunson was fouled and converted his free throws, giving New York a narrow lead they would not relinquish.
Knicks’ success was underscored by Towns’ impressive performance, recording 21 points and 17 rebounds, which proved pivotal in the closing moments of the game. Mikal Bridges also stepped up, scoring crucial points in the fourth quarter. The team’s strategy of aggressive defense disrupted the Celtics’ rhythm, particularly in the final frame, where Boston’s stars faltered under pressure.
Analysts noted the Celtics’ unexpected inability to close out the game, despite their earlier dominance. Tatum and Brown, both key players for Boston, struggled significantly in the fourth quarter, with Tatum shooting just 5 of 20 from the field. Critics have pointed out that the Celtics’ reliance on three-point shooting—taking 63 shots from beyond the arc in the two games—may have contributed to their failures in critical moments.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Celtics face a daunting challenge. Historically, teams dropping the first two playoff games at home have a low success rate in overcoming such deficits. However, Boston’s experience as a championship team raises questions about their ability to rebound from adversity.
Tim Legler, an NBA analyst, expressed cautious optimism for the Celtics, acknowledging their strong playoff history but also recognizing the uphill battle they now face. The pressure is mounting on Boston, and their next performance will be critical in determining the outcome of the series.
The Knicks, riding a wave of momentum, aim to capitalize on their home court advantage and remain focused on extending their series lead. With the stakes higher than ever, both teams will need to adapt and execute their strategies effectively as the playoffs progress.