Boston, Massachusetts — In a dramatic turn of events, the Boston Celtics squandered a significant lead for the second consecutive game, falling 91-90 to the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Having lost both home games, the Celtics now find themselves in a troubling 2-0 series deficit against a team they previously dominated during the regular season.
The Celtics’ star forward, Jayson Tatum, has struggled to find his rhythm in this series. Despite a standout performance against the Orlando Magic, he has been nearly invisible against New York, shooting just 5-for-19 in Game 2. Tatum’s final turnover, which occurred on a crucial last possession, underscored Boston’s offensive difficulties. Jaylen Brown also faced challenges, finishing 8-for-23 with 20 points, while contributing to the team’s eight turnovers.
Three-point shooting became a significant issue for the Celtics, who managed only 10 successful attempts from deep on Wednesday. The team held a 16-point lead with eight minutes remaining but faltered offensively, failing to score a field goal for more than eight minutes. The inability to maintain offensive momentum allowed the Knicks to mount a comeback, effectively sealing the Celtics’ fate.
Another area of concern for the Celtics was their defensive strategy regarding Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who was on the floor for a limited time yet proved effective. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla aimed to limit Robinson’s impact but ended up putting the Knicks in the bonus through intentional fouls late in the game. This decision may have cost them critical scoring opportunities.
Kristaps Porzingis, after an uninspiring start to the series, played just 14 minutes on Wednesday, scoring eight points and grabbing three offensive rebounds. Following the game, he expressed frustration about not feeling his best, raising questions about his health and impact on the team.
While Boston’s defense showed improvement, particularly in limiting the Knicks to just 13 points in the first quarter and 20 in the third, their offensive struggles overshadowed any defensive successes. The Celtics’ inability to capitalize on their defensive efforts has intensified the pressure as they prepare for Game 3 in New York.
Overall, the series has highlighted the Celtics’ vulnerability in critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarters of both games. As they ponder strategies to stabilize their performance, the upcoming match in New York looms large. A loss could not only jeopardize their playoff run but also affect their long-term roster decisions.
In an unexpected twist to the night, a fire alarm forced the evacuation of TD Garden after the game. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. This unusual incident allowed Tatum to avoid post-game media questions, leaving fans and analysts wondering what changes the team will implement before their next crucial matchup.
Now, as the Celtics regroup, they face a pivotal moment in their championship defense. The pressure is mounting for players and coaches alike to turn their performance around. Brown acknowledged the weight of the situation but emphasized the need for a short memory as they prepare to face the Knicks again. Game 3 is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m.