Just two days after erasing a 20-point second-half deficit to shock the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks pulled off an almost identical feat on Wednesday night. Fueled by a dominant fourth-quarter surge and a clutch late-game steal (Again!) by Mikal Bridges, New York edged out Boston 91-90.
With the victory, the Knicks now hold a 2-0 advantage as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon. Remarkably, they’ve become the first team in NBA playoff history to overcome 20-point deficits in back-to-back games.
Brick after Brick after Brick
Celtics’ three-point shooting has gone from cold to catastrophic — and they’re laying down bricks like they’re building a new arena.
The Celtics are ice cold from deep — historically cold. Through just two games, Boston has bricked 75 of their 100 three-point attempts, setting an NBA playoff record for most missed threes in a two-game stretch. That kind of shooting drought isn’t just bad luck — it’s a full-blown meltdown. With their offense built around spacing and perimeter threats, the Celtics’ inability to connect from outside is sinking them fast.
Bridges’ Defense: The Celtics’ Worst Nightmare
knicks fam, this needs a caption ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/IpbaaiN4K8
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 8, 2025
Mikal Bridges has turned defense into art through the first two games — and the Celtics are his latest masterpiece. With three steals in each contest, Bridges has been everywhere, clogging passing lanes, hounding ball-handlers, and making life miserable for Boston’s perimeter players. But it’s the timing that’s been lethal — he came up with the game-sealing steal in both wins, proving he’s not just a disruptor, he’s a closer. Call it clutch defense, call it chaos — whatever it is, the Celtics still haven’t figured it out.
A Must Win Game 3 for the C’s
Game 3 in Madison Square Garden is do-or-die for the Celtics. They’ve been bricklaying from three-point land like it’s an Olympic sport, and Mikal Bridges has been playing the role of nightmare with his game-clinching steals. To avoid falling into a 3-0 hole, Boston needs to wake up offensively — Tatum and Brown have to stop playing hot potato with the ball and actually hit some shots. But it’s not just about the offense; they’ve got to tighten up the defense and stop collapsing in the clutch. The Knicks are on fire, but if Boston can keep their cool and find their rhythm, they might just steal one back in the Garden.