The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 91-90 on Wednesday, rallying from a 20-point deficit for the second consecutive game to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The game was played at TD Garden in Boston. The win marked the first time a team in NBA playoff history has come back from 20 points down in back-to-back games.
New York trailed by 20 points in the third quarter, mirroring the margin overcome in Game 1. They held Boston scoreless for nearly five minutes to begin the game, but the Celtics built a substantial lead through the first three quarters before the Knicks mounted a 21-4 run in the final period.
The end of the game saw multiple lead changes. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum drove the length of the court for a dunk, giving Boston an 90-89 advantage with just over 18 seconds left. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson then drew a foul on an elbow jumper and made both free throws to put New York back on top 91-90 with seconds remaining.
With time winding down, the Celtics had a final chance, but Tatum could not get a shot off. Mikal Bridges blocked Tatum's attempt in the corner at the buzzer, sealing the one-point victory for the Knicks and leaving Boston fans in disbelief. Bridges scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, adding eight rebounds and five assists.
Knicks forward Josh Hart led New York with 23 points. Center Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 17 rebounds. The Celtics were paced by Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, who each scored 20 points. Tatum finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Boston shot poorly from behind the arc, making just 10 of 40 three-point attempts after missing a playoff-record 45 in Game 1.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla explained that the team did not use their final timeout on the last possession because they hoped to run the same play as Tatum's previous dunk. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said the execution on the final play was not sufficient.
Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis played in Game 2 after being listed as probable with a non-Covid illness that caused him to exit Game 1 early. Sam Hauser was out for Boston due to a right ankle sprain.The Celtics had discussed lessons from other playoff finishes, including the Cavaliers-Pacers Game 2 where the Pacers rallied late. How Celtics are using crazy Pacers-Cavs ending as a teaching moment Celtics guard Payton Pritchard had commented on the need for urgency ahead of Game 2, calling it a "must-win game" for Boston to take care of home court.The series shifts to Manhattan for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon. The Knicks hold a significant lead against the defending champions.
