Celtics’ Playoff Struggles Raise Questions Amid Team Sale

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics are facing a critical moment in their history as they trail 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks. The team, fresh off a championship victory last season, is now under pressure as they head into a must-win Game 3 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Last summer, just after their championship parade, Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck shocked fans by announcing the family was selling the controlling interest of the franchise for over $6 billion, a record price for an NBA team. Despite the ownership transition, the Celtics aimed to maintain momentum and chase their 19th championship.

However, the team now finds itself in a precarious situation. After winning 61 regular-season games, the Celtics have struggled in the playoffs, missing a staggering 75 three-pointers and losing significant leads in both Game 1 and Game 2. If they cannot recover, their position as contenders may be called into question.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum has expressed accountability for his performance, stating, “I take full ownership of the way that I’ve played in this series and can’t sugarcoat anything.” With Tatum and teammate Jaylen Brown struggling, Coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized the need for resilience and confidence moving forward.

The financial implications of a poor playoff run loom large over the organization. If the Celtics do not advance, they may face hard decisions about the roster, especially with contracts worth over $600 million for Tatum and Brown combined. The looming luxury tax, predicted to exceed $464 million for the next season, poses further complications for the team’s financial stability.

Amid discussions of trade options this offseason, sources indicate that significant changes may be on the horizon if the team does not perform. As Mazzulla stated, “This is the situation that we’re in. We have to understand why we’re in it and we’ve got to fix it.” With their future uncertain, the Celtics must not only contend with this playoff series but also navigate their evolving ownership and financial commitments.