Knicks Keep Rolling as Celtics Search for Answers
The New York Knicks are rewriting the playoff script. Down by 20 for a second straight game, the Knicks clawed their way back yet again, edging the Boston Celtics 91-90 to grab a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. For fans expecting the defending champions to steady the ship after their first loss, Game 2 proved even more unsettling. The Celtics coughed up another big advantage, and Boston’s reliable shooters have suddenly lost their touch from deep.
Mikal Bridges stepped up when it mattered most, pouring in 14 points in the fourth quarter to electrify Madison Square Garden. With the crowd on its feet, Bridges delivered a highlight reel finish, combining timely buckets with gritty defense. Not to be overshadowed, Karl-Anthony Towns put up a monster line: 21 points and 17 rebounds, bullying the Celtics in the paint and controlling the glass all night. Josh Hart brought his usual energy, chipping in 23 crucial points, while Jalen Brunson ice-coldly sank two late free throws and forced the decisive turnover from Jayson Tatum in the dying seconds.
Celtics Shooting Woes and Late-Game Troubles Continue
The Celtics’ problems are hard to miss. Their outside shooting has plummeted, going just 10-for-40 from three in Game 2 after a rough 15-for-60 performance in the series opener. Even their best—it’s rare for Jaylen Brown (20 points) and Derrick White (20 points) to both find their rhythm and still come up short. Jayson Tatum’s late-game fumble only deepened the frustration, as Boston watched another double-digit cushion disappear under the weight of tough New York defense and their own poor decision-making.
What’s really worrying for Celtics fans is the repeat nature of these collapses. Protecting leads used to be the heartbeat of this team, especially during last year’s title run. Now, late-game execution is a glaring flaw. Jaylen Brown didn’t sugarcoat it after the game, saying the squad needs to "shift mentality" and "learn fast" if they want to stay in the hunt.
The attention now turns to Game 3, set for Saturday, May 10, with the spotlight firmly on Boston. The Knicks have all the momentum, and another win on their home court would put the Celtics on the brink. The defending champs have a mountain to climb—and nothing so far suggests this Knicks squad is about to slow down. It’s gut-check time in New York. The Knicks are one game from making this an upset for the ages.
