Celtics Seek Redemption After Early Playoff Struggles Against Knicks

NEW YORK CITY – The NBA playoffs are always tough, and this season has been particularly challenging for Kristaps Porzingis. As the Boston Celtics face off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Porzingis is battling an illness that has limited his performance.

In the series’ first two games, Boston blew 20-point leads in back-to-back losses at TD Garden. The 29-year-old forward managed to play 19 minutes during Saturday’s game at Madison Square Garden, marking an improvement in his condition. Following the Celtics’ victory in New York, Porzingis took to Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. “Thankful for all the support people,” he wrote, accompanied by a heart emoji. “Onward and upwards.”

Porzingis will attempt to build on this momentum Monday night as the Celtics aim to even the series in Game 4, slated for 7:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau warned his team to stay focused and not get complacent after establishing a 2-0 lead. “You have to earn your wins,” he told reporters before the game. Thibodeau emphasized the importance of resetting for each game, regardless of past successes.

Each of the first two games saw the Knicks rally from significant deficits, thanks in part to an aggressive three-point shooting strategy. The team set a playoff record for the most three-point attempts in a two-game span with 75 shots. Thibodeau acknowledged that navigating the playoffs requires understanding both the emotional highs and lows of the game.

Despite their earlier setbacks, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is focused on finding solutions. He noted the importance of humility and recognizing the reality of their 0-2 situation. “You have to have an understanding of why we’re in it,” said Mazzulla. “We have to have an understanding of why we’re in it and we got to fix it. And we have an opportunity to fix that.”

As both teams prepare for a pivotal Game 4, the stakes are high, and every moment will count.