In a surprising twist in the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks demonstrated their resilience by staging a remarkable comeback for the second consecutive game against the Boston Celtics. After trailing by 20 points, the Knicks executed a thrilling fourth-quarter performance to clinch a narrow 91-90 victory in Game 2 at TD Garden. This win has given them a commanding lead in the best-of-seven series, a situation few observers anticipated. The Knicks’ tenacity and defensive prowess have been significant factors in their success, especially given the Celtics’ struggles in critical moments of the games.
The fourth-quarter collapse of the Celtics was particularly striking, as they failed to make a shot from the floor for over eight minutes after a three-pointer from Payton Pritchard. This extended drought coincided with a surge from the Knicks, marking a stark contrast in offensive efficiency. Mikal Bridges emerged as a crucial player during this time, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Knicks’ resurgence. Jalen Brunson’s pivotal step-back jumper pushed the Knicks ahead, demonstrating the team’s grit as they capitalized on Boston’s errors.
Tension escalated dramatically in the final moments of the game, with the score tightly contested. Jayson Tatum managed to bring the Celtics back into the lead briefly with an impressive dunk, pushing the score to 90-89. However, Brunson reclaimed the lead for the Knicks by sinking two crucial free throws after being fouled by Jrue Holiday. This sequence underscored the high stakes of playoff basketball where every possession counts, putting immense pressure on both teams as they sought to finish strong.
With the game hanging in the balance, Boston looked to their stars for a game-winning play. Tatum, despite driving aggressively to the hoop, encountered a wall of Knicks defenders. Bridges’ critical defensive play—stealing the ball just as Tatum went for a jumper—solidified the Knicks’ victory, echoing a similar defensive moment from Game 1. Such defensive prowess has been a hallmark of the Knicks’ strategy, allowing them to mitigate offensive challenges when shooting percentages falter.
Offensively, both teams struggled in this closely contested series. The Knicks shot only 43% from the field and 29% from three-point range. Brunson’s performance was below his usual standards, reflecting the intensity of the playoff atmosphere. Conversely, the Celtics’ shooting woes were even more pronounced, with a dismal 10-for-40 performance from beyond the arc, adding to their previous game’s difficulties. Team shooting percentages reveal the crucial importance of defensive matchups and highlight how playoff intensity can stifle shooting accuracy.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, fans eagerly anticipate whether the Knicks can maintain their momentum and further capitalize on the Celtics’ shooting struggles. Saturday’s matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET will be a pivotal moment in the series, potentially setting the tone for the remaining games. If the Knicks can continue their defensive pressure and the Celtics cannot find their shooting rhythm, it could lead to an unexpected early exit for a team that many considered a strong contender.
