NBA Playoffs: Celtics Suffer Loss Amid Record Three-Point Struggles

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics faced a shocking turn of events in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 5, 2025, when they lost to the New York Knicks, 108-105, after blowing a 20-point lead.

This defeat was historic for the Celtics; it marked the first time in playoffs history they lost after having such a significant advantage since the play-by-play era began. The Knicks rallied dramatically in the second half, outscoring Boston 55-39 to force overtime.

New York’s Mikal Bridges capped off the game with a buzzer-beating steal in overtime, securing an 8-2 run that sealed the Celtics’ fate. The Celtics’ performance from beyond the arc was particularly dismal as they set a record for the most three-point attempts in a playoff game.

The Celtics missed ten consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter and ended the game shooting just 15-of-60 from three-point range, setting a new playoff record for the most missed shots from beyond the arc with 45. Their previous record of 40 missed threes was held by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Star player Jaylen Brown struggled significantly, finishing with a dismal 1-of-10 shooting from three, contributing to Boston’s overall 28.6% shooting from that distance. Jayson Tatum also faltered, managing just 4-of-15 on threes and 7-for-23 overall.

The Celtics’ failure to capitalize on their scoring opportunities contrasted sharply with the Knicks, who made 17 three-pointers while shooting 52% from that range. The home team led 27-26 after the first quarter and carried a strong momentum with a score of 33-24 in the second quarter.

As the Celtics head back to the drawing board, they aim to recover from their historic setback in hopes of leveling the series in Game 2 on Wednesday.