The defending champions, Boston Celtics, were anticipated to excel in their second-round matchup against the New York Knicks. Despite securing 20-point advantages in both Games 1 and 2, and leading for over 80 minutes of a total 101, they are now 0-2 in the series.
This marks an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the NBA playoffs, as it is the first occurrence where a team has squandered multiple 20-point leads in the same postseason, and the Celtics have done it consecutively in home games.
An Ill-Timed Shooting Slump
Under Joe Mazzulla’s direction, the Celtics thrive on their 3-point shooting. This season, they set records for the most 3-point attempts (3,955) and makes (1,457). They consistently rank among the top in all 3-point statistics.
Celtics’ 3-Point Statistics Over Recent Seasons:
| Season | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 16 (2nd) | 42.6 (2nd) | 37.7 (6th) |
| 2023-24 | 16.5 (1st) | 42.5 (1st) | 38.8 (2nd) |
| 2024-25 | 17.8 (1st) | 48.2 (1st) | 36.8 (t-9th) |
Despite the criticism regarding their reliance on 3-pointers, their overall record remains strong. However, in these two games against the Knicks, their shooting has faltered significantly, shooting only 25% across the series.
Tatum’s Poor Play
Jayson Tatum has struggled, averaging only 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 28.6% from the field in these games. His missed opportunity in the final moments of Game 2 typified the challenges he’s faced.
Tatum expressed his accountability, stating: “I take full ownership of how I’ve been playing in this series. Can’t sugarcoat anything. I need to be better.”
Porzingis’ Health Concerns
Adding to the Celtics’ woes, Kristaps Porzingis has been dealing with a mysterious illness that kept him out of Game 1 and affected his performance in Game 2.
Mazzulla mentioned that Porzingis’ condition is linked to a previous issue that sidelined him earlier this season. In his absence, the Celtics are a noticeably weaker team.
The overarching themes include overall team fatigue; many Celtic players have been through a taxing schedule and this could be a factor in their performance, especially in critical moments. They must address these issues if they wish to come back in the series.
