Knicks Pull Off Daring Comeback Against Celtics in Game 2 Thriller
In a heart-stopping playoff showdown, the New York Knicks erased a 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 104-101 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 34-point explosion and stifling fourth-quarter defense, the Knicks leveled the series 1-1 in what players later called a “season-defining” victory.
From Desperation to Elation: The Comeback Unfolds
The Celtics dominated early, exploiting the Knicks’ cold shooting (38% FG in first half) to build a 58-38 lead late in the second quarter. Boston’s Jayson Tatum appeared unstoppable, scoring 18 first-half points, while Kristaps Porzingis’ rim protection forced New York into contested jumpers. However, the tide turned when Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau deployed a small-ball lineup featuring Josh Hart at center.
- 3rd Quarter Spark: Brunson scored 15 points in the frame, attacking Payton Pritchard off switches
- Defensive Adjustment: Knicks doubled Tatum 28 feet from the basket, holding him to 4-of-12 shooting after halftime
- Crucial Stat: New York won the rebounding battle 52-41, including 14 offensive boards
Star Performances Define Pivotal Moments
Brunson’s heroics were complemented by Donte DiVincenzo’s clutch 3-pointer with 1:12 remaining, giving New York its first lead since the opening minutes. Meanwhile, Celtics guard Derrick White lamented missed opportunities: “We stopped moving the ball in the fourth. That’s on me as a point guard.”
NBA analyst Doris Burke noted during the ESPN broadcast: “The Knicks demonstrated championship-level grit tonight. Their ability to win ugly—shooting just 42% but forcing 16 turnovers—shows this isn’t the same franchise that folded in big moments five years ago.”
Tactical Breakdown: How New York Shifted Momentum
Thibodeau’s decision to bench struggling center Mitchell Robinson proved pivotal. The Knicks outscored Boston by 19 points with Hart at the 5, leveraging his switchability to neutralize pick-and-roll actions. Meanwhile, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla drew criticism for sticking with a double-big lineup too long, as Al Horford and Porzingis combined for a -22 plus/minus.
Key fourth-quarter stats reveal the turnaround:
- Knicks held Celtics to 5-of-21 shooting (23.8%) in final 12 minutes
- New York generated 8 fast-break points off live-ball turnovers
- Boston missed all 7 three-point attempts in clutch time (last 5 minutes)
Series Implications and Road Ahead
The victory marked the Knicks’ largest playoff comeback since 1997 and snapped Boston’s 8-game postseason winning streak at MSG. With the series shifting to TD Garden for Games 3 and 4, Celtics players acknowledged the urgency. “We let one slip away,” Tatum admitted. “But this group has responded to adversity all season.”
Historically, teams splitting the first two games at home go on to win the series 53% of the time (per NBA Advanced Stats). However, the Knicks face injury concerns after OG Anunoby left late with hamstring tightness—a critical development given his defensive assignment on Tatum.
What Comes Next in This Playoff Chess Match
Both teams have clear adjustments to make before Friday’s Game 3:
- Celtics Must: Improve late-game execution (ranked 18th in clutch offense this postseason)
- Knicks Need: Sustain bench production (Quickley and McBride combined for 22 points)
- X-Factor: Porzingis’ health after logging 38 minutes following a calf injury
As the series pivots to Boston, basketball fans can expect heightened intensity. “This is why we play,” Brunson told reporters postgame. “But the job’s not done.” For continuing coverage of this developing rivalry, subscribe to our playoff newsletter for real-time analysis.
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