The
Boston Celtics
find themselves in a difficult position after two games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, entirely due to self-induced issues towards the end of the games. For the second consecutive game against the
New York Knicks
In the second half, Boston held a double-digit advantage, but New York managed to overturn this deficit in the final minutes thanks to Jalen Brunson’s explosive scoring in the fourth quarter.
In New York’s game, Josh Hart stood out as the top scorer with 23 points, complementing Karl-Anthony Towns’ impressive double-double performance of 21 points and 17 rebounds, propelling them to their consecutive away win. At the close, RJ Barrett proved crucial for New York by making several decisive shots down the stretch, granting the Knicks a commanding 2-0 series advantage and leaving the Celtics pondering numerous issues.
Here’s a brief summary of the Knicks’ 91-90 win against Boston, which put them ahead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Keys to the game:
Jaylen Brown looks healthy:
This key moment would have been far more gratifying if the Celtics had managed to hold onto their lead and clinch the win. Nonetheless, it remains crucial that Jaylen Brown appeared as healthy as he’s been during this entire playoff run. Scoring 20 points, grabbing six rebounds, adding two steals, and contributing an assist, Brown set the offensive pace from the outset. His aggressive play persisted through the match, yet ultimately it wasn’t sufficient to ensure their triumph.
Poor shooting woes continue:
Following Game 1’s focus on Boston’s 45 missed three-point shots during their overtime defeat, Game 2 highlighted another issue: a scoring drought lasting more than seven minutes in the final period. During this stretch, the Knicks embarked on a decisive 21-2 rally that ultimately sealed the victory for them. Similar to what happened in the initial matchup, Boston struggled with an abysmal three-point accuracy at 25%, alongside a modest total field-goal percentage around 36%. If these poor shooting performances persist heading into Game 3, they might jeopardize the defending champs’ chances in the playoffs.
The highlight of the game was Jalen Brunson’s offensive performance and Mikal Bridges’ defensive efforts securing the win for New York in Game 2.
Next up: Game 3 at New York, Saturday, May 10, 3:30 PM ET on ABC (New York leading 2-0)
Following two successive meltdowns despite leading by at least 20 points each time, and losing their home-court edge, the Celtics must regroup away from home. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden will undoubtedly be electric following the Knicks’ impressive comeback to win the initial pair of matches in the series, whereas Boston urgently requires solutions. Inadequate shooting proved decisive in the first couple of encounters; hence, improving efficiency becomes crucial for them as they aim to turn things around in these Semifinal matchups.
The article initially appeared on Celtics Wire.
Celtics suffer another fourth-quarter collapse as Knicks take 2-0 series lead
