The Boston Celtics are on the wrong side of history by becoming the first NBA team to squander back-to-back 20-point leads in the playoffs. What’s frustrating for Celtics fans is that they held those big leads in the third quarter.
While the series isn’t over, the Celtics are halfway to an Eastern Conference Semifinal exit, an outcome most basketball pundits never expected. However, to prevent that outcome, the Celtics would need more from their stars, especially Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Tatum finished with a double-double in Game 2 but scored only 13 points on 26.3 percent shooting from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc. It’s a far cry from his 31.25 points-per-game average in Round 1 against the Orlando Magic.
Likewise, in their last game versus the Knicks, Brown had 20 points on 34.8 percent field goal shooting and 28.6 percent from the three-point area. Last year’s Finals Most Valuable Player also committed six turnovers, matching his playoff-high.
With their backs against the wall, the Celtics have no choice but to win four of the remaining five games (if necessary) to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Though pulling off this feat won’t be easy, Brown believes that pulling together will help them overcome this obstacle.
Brown summarized the Celtics’ plan of action for the remainder of the series: “We’ve got to respond.” He shared this thought during the post-game press conference after their Game 2 loss to New York.
Jaylen Brown was asked by @BobbyKrivitsky what the Celtics will lean on being down 2-0:
“Each other. Opportunity to show what we’re made of.”
“We’ve got to respond.” pic.twitter.com/lXkTsxt5Aw
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 8, 2025
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The Celtics’ response after losing the first two games at TD Garden will reveal their character and strengthen their resolve. If they survive this series, it could be a pivotal moment that could revive their championship spirit.
However, in addition to playing as one, the Celtics must convert their shots, especially when it matters. They cannot afford the Knicks pulling the rug on them in Game 3.
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