The Boston Celtics, struggling in their playoff series, now have to confront their problems head-on as they travel to New York after dropping the first two games against the Knicks.

During a rough patch in December and January, where they neither won nor lost many games, the Celtics remained hopeful. They considered this merely a temporary dip in what has otherwise been a long season, one significantly affected by prior championship hangover.

“I believe we’ll peak at the right moment,” said Kristaps Porziņģis on January 23, as the Celtics rallied back significantly, finishing their season with an impressive 19 wins out of the last 22 games.

However, recent performances have led to more questions than answers. After another collapse where they surrendered a 20-point lead against the New York Knicks, closing Game 2 in a tight finish, they now face criticism regarding their ability to manage critical moments.

Furthermore, the Celtics’ adjusted performance in the last quarters has revealed bigger issues: despite having experienced superstars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team has faltered during crucial game moments.

“I’m not sure,” shared Jaylen Brown, who recorded 20 points, six rebounds, and six turnovers in the last game, reflecting the team’s frustrations against the Knicks. “We started strong, but missed some good attempts in the fourth quarter that may have thrown us off. Still, it’s a chance to show our resilience.”

The Celtics shot poorly in the final minutes, going 9-for-45 in both Games 1 and 2 combined.

In contrast, the Knicks capitalized on the Celtics’ missteps, highlighted by Mikal Bridges, who scored 14 points in the decisive quarter and clinched the game with a pivotal steal against Tatum in the final seconds.

Jalen Brunson, honored as the Clutch Player of the Year, demonstrated his skill by securing all six of the Knicks’ last points in closing moments.

Now, the Knicks are on the brink of making their first conference finals appearance since 2000, while the Celtics face a critical juncture that could define their playoff run.