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Knicks Steal Game 2, Leaving Celtics in a 2-0 Hole
The New York Knicks have shocked the Boston Celtics, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup. In a nail-biting Game 2 at TD Garden on May 7th, 2025, the Knicks pulled off an improbable victory, erasing a 20-point deficit for the second consecutive game. This stunning comeback, capped off by Jalen Brunson's clutch free throws and Mikal Bridges' game-sealing steal, has left the Celtics facing an uphill battle.
Game 2 Recap: A 20-Point Lead Vanishes
The Celtics started strong, building a significant lead thanks to hot shooting from Derrick White and aggressive drives by Jaylen Brown. However, their lead evaporated in the fourth quarter, mirroring Game 1's collapse. While Boston’s defense showed moments of brilliance, their offense sputtered, particularly from beyond the arc. The Celtics shot a dismal 10 for 40 (25%) from three-point range, continuing their struggles from Game 1 (15 of 60, 25%).
- Knicks' Fourth-Quarter Surge: Mikal Bridges exploded for 14 points in the final period, and Jalen Brunson delivered key points in the final minutes, showcasing their ability to seize opportunities.
- Celtics' Offensive Woes: Jayson Tatum struggled mightily, scoring just 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting. Jaylen Brown, while scoring 20 points, also committed six turnovers.
- Josh Hart's Stellar Performance: Hart led the Knicks with 23 points, providing a consistent offensive threat throughout the game.
- Karl-Anthony Towns' Impact: Towns contributed a substantial double-double (21 points, 17 rebounds) to the Knicks' success.
The Knicks' ability to overcome such a significant deficit reflects their resilience and adaptability. Their bench stepped up, providing crucial support to their star players. Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Bridges' composure and competitive spirit, highlighting his clutch performance in the fourth quarter. The Knicks' win underscores their strategic brilliance and ability to exploit opponents' weaknesses.
Celtics' Struggles and the Road Ahead
The Celtics' inability to sustain their early momentum is perplexing, given their playoff experience and the talent on their roster. The team's struggles with turnovers (averaging 15.5 over two games) and their abysmal three-point shooting have been major factors in their losses. The lack of offensive production in the fourth quarter – a mere 4.5 field goals made out of 22.5 attempts, and an abysmal 2 of 13 from beyond the arc – is simply unacceptable at this level of play.
For the Celtics, the series now shifts to Madison Square Garden. Facing a 2-0 deficit, they face long odds, historically, only four teams have overcome a 2-0 deficit at home in a seven-game series. Their next two games are must-wins if they hope to regain home-court advantage and avoid an early exit from the playoffs. The team needs to address their shooting woes and find a way to better support their stars.
The Unexpected TD Garden Fire Alarm
Adding to the drama of Game 2, a fire alarm forced the evacuation of TD Garden after the game, disrupting Jayson Tatum's scheduled press conference. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident added another layer of unexpected chaos to an already chaotic night for the Celtics.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Both Teams
The Knicks' victory has sent shockwaves through the NBA playoffs, highlighting their surprising ability to overcome significant deficits. Meanwhile, the Celtics face a critical juncture, needing to quickly adjust their strategy and improve their execution to prevent a series sweep. The series now moves to New York, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle at Madison Square Garden. The upcoming games will be critical in determining which team advances to the next round.
