The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics in their second-round playoff series, winning both games on the road. New York overcame 20-point deficits in the third quarter of each contest, securing a 108-105 overtime victory in Game 1 and a 91-90 win in Game 2.
Boston struggled from beyond the arc in the losses. The team missed 75 3-point attempts across the two games, including an NBA playoff record 45 misses in Game 1. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the team's shot quality despite the results.
"I look at the process and the shot quality," Mazzulla told reporters. He suggested that if the open shots were made, the conversation would be different.
The Knicks employed a defensive adjustment, frequently switching assignments on ball screens, a departure from coach Tom Thibodeau's typical drop coverage scheme. Players like Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby provided help behind the primary defenders.
Hart acknowledged the shift. "\We are\ making sure when we do switch that the guy is not on an island," he told reporters on Tuesday. The goal was to make attempts difficult for Boston shooters and deter drives to the paint.
The Celtics took more pull-up 3-pointers than catch-and-shoot attempts in Game 1, contrasting with their regular-season tendencies. Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown noted the team's rhythm and timing felt off.
Brown also mentioned the team settled for shots in the second half of Game 1. "When the other team’s got momentum, we can’t just fire up 3s," he said after Game 1. "We’ve got to get to the free-throw line, get to the paint, get to the basket and then maybe the next 3-pointer feels a little bit better."
This series marks the first playoff meeting between the teams since 2013. New York will host Game 3 on Saturday and Game 4 on Monday at Madison Square Garden.
Despite the 0-2 deficit, some projection models still favor Boston's chances of advancing. However, the sportsbooks have adjusted, now listing the Knicks as slight favorites to win the series.
