Celtics Struggle as Knicks Take 2-0 Lead in Playoffs

BOSTON, Mass. — The New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics by taking a 2-0 lead in their playoff series. Despite holding a 20-point lead in both games, the Celtics suffered significant collapses, leaving them in a precarious position heading to Madison Square Garden for three of the next four games.

In the opening two games, the Celtics were unable to capitalize on early advantages. The Knicks, who had struggled in the previous round against the Detroit Pistons, delivered an unexpected performance against the defending champions. The Celtics, ranked among the league’s top offenses during the season, have been stifled, with both teams producing exactly one point per possession (394 on 394) through the first two games.

“These collapses were not just flukes; they were self-inflicted wounds,” said an analyst. In Game 1 and Game 2, the Knicks’ role players, including OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, made crucial plays to turn the tide at pivotal moments. Anunoby had a breakout performance when the Celtics were ahead by 20, while Bridges’ strong shooting in the fourth quarter helped secure the win.

Current statistics tracking from Second Spectrum show that while the Celtics had a substantial shot advantage, totaling 18 more shooting opportunities than the Knicks, they struggled with accuracy. They shot only 25% on wide-open 3-point attempts during these games, a significant drop in performance from earlier in the season.

The Celtics defense also faltered in key moments. On several occasions, they failed to effectively exploit mismatches against the Knicks’ weaker defenders, particularly Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Even with open looks, star player Jayson Tatum struggled, opting for difficult step-back threes rather than driving to the basket.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will need to adjust their strategy if they hope to overcome the 0-2 deficit. They must focus on improving their ball movement and offensive execution to mitigate the Knicks’ defensive tactics, particularly with Mitchell Robinson‘s formidable presence in the paint.

The Knicks’ success has been bolstered by crucial contributions off the bench, while the Celtics face increasing pressure to respond effectively in the next games. Game 3 is set for Saturday at Madison Square Garden, where the Celtics hope to turn the series around.