NBA Series G2 Deep Dive: Celtics on the Edge, Knicks Unbreakably Resilient

The Eastern Conference Semifinals' flames kept burning at TD Garden tonight (May 7, 2025), but the outcome once more let down the home audience. Narrowly edging the Boston Celtics 91-90, the New York Knicks took a 2-0 series lead, owing to a vital late-game block by Mikal Bridges on Jayson Tatum. Pushed to the edge now are the Celtics, a powerful East regular season force.

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Comparison with G1: Similar Outcome, Different "Script"

· G1 Recap: The Knicks shown their perseverance in G1, fighting back from a 20-point gap to win 108-105 in overtime. The Celtics had major shooting issues in that game, missing an incredible 45 threes—an NBA postseason record for most missed three-pointers in a single game—going only 15-for-60 from three-point range as a team. Tatum was 4-for-15 from deep, and Jaylen Brown was an even worse 1-for-10.

· G2 Breakdown: Although this game didn't show a comeback from a significant deficit like G1, it was equally a hard-fought, back-and-forth struggle settled in the last seconds. The Celtics couldn't keep their lead after they first quarter led 24-13. The Knicks turned the tide and finally hung on for the victory by unleashing a 30-17 offensive wave in the vital fourth quarter after stabilizing in the second and third quarters. The Celtics' low score (90 points) indicates their offensive problems, especially in shooting efficiency, most likely did not show notable improvement.

Analysis of Celtics' G2 Loss: Reasons Why

Offense Sputters Again, Collapses in the Fourth: Scoring only 90 points is subpar for a team boasting Tatum and Brown. Their 17-point fourth quarter, where they were outscored by 13, directly led to the loss. Although further analysis is still needed on detailed shooting statistics, the pattern from G1 and the G2 score suggests that the Celtics' general offensive effectiveness, particularly from outside the arc, most likely stayed slow.

Poor Execution on Crucial Plays: Tatum's possible game-winning shot being blocked by Bridges reflects not only personal ability but also underlines the team's failure to carry out tactical plays and generate chances in last-minute situations. Every vital possession counts extremely in such a close game.

Failure to Capitalize on Home-Court Advantage: Losing two straight home games is a huge hit to team spirits. Home court is a fortress to be defended in the playoffs; losing both games puts great strain on the Celtics for their next road trip.

Inability to Contain Knicks' Multi-Faceted Attack: Josh Hart scored 23 points for the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns added a vital 21 points and an incredible 17 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson added 17 points and 7 assists.The consistent performance of multiple players gave the Knicks' offense more layers and threat.

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Interpreting the Knicks' G2 Victory: Keys to Success

Impregnable Defense and Tenacity: Once more, the Knicks showed their strong defensive skills, particularly in the game's key moments. Bridges' game-winning block was the apex of the team's combined defensive effort. They showed great mental toughness and a tremendous will to win even on the road and he made this in G1, too.

Regular Output from Core Players: Hart, Towns, and Brunson's "trifecta" all had exceptional performances, hence giving the team continuous offensive firepower and rebounding stability. Especially important was Towns' dominance in the paint.

Outstanding Fourth-Quarter Execution: Outscoring the Celtics by 13 points in the fourth quarter highlighted the Knicks' performance on both ends of the court when it counted most. They not only scored but also efficiently constrained their rivals.

Coaching Staff's In-Game Adjustments: Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive strategy and his drive of the players were major factors in the Coaching Staff's in-game changes. A coach's tactical plans and changes can sometimes tip the result in a close game.

How the Celtics Can Turn the Tide:

1. Rediscover Their Shooting Touch: This is the most pressing issue. Whether through tactical adjustments or players regaining their form, the Celtics must improve their three-point percentage and overall offensive efficiency. They need to play with more confidence and decisiveness.

2. Tatum and Brown Must Step Up: As the team leaders, they need to exert dominance offensively, especially in critical moments. They can't just hope for a last-second shot but must consistently contribute firepower throughout the game.

3. Enhance Defensive Intensity and Rebounding: While the Knicks' offense is potent, the Celtics also need to start on the defensive end, limit easy scoring opportunities for their opponents, and secure defensive rebounds to prevent second-chance points.

4. Adjust Mentality, Adopt a Do-or-Die Attitude: Being down 0-2 isn't the end of the world, but the Celtics must display the determination and courage of a team with their backs against the wall. They need to win at least one game on the road to bring the series' suspense back to Boston.

5. Contributions from Role Players: Beyond the "Jays," other players like Horford, White, and Holiday also need to step up and make more contributions on both ends of the floor to alleviate the pressure on the core stars.

In summary, the Knicks, with their tenacious defense, consistent play from core players, and excellent fourth-quarter execution, have seized absolute control of the series. The Celtics, on the other hand, are mired in offensive struggles and issues with late-game execution. The upcoming G3 will be a do-or-die battle for the Celtics. Whether they can bounce back on the road remains to be seen. For the Knicks, they need to stay grounded and continue their march towards the next round. The excitement of this Eastern Conference Semifinals is far from over.

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