The Boston Celtics are set to take on the New York Knicks in Game 2 on May 7. The Celtics lost the first game in what was a wild encounter. They lost 105-108 in overtime.
The Celtics are looking to bounce back in Game 2, but can't afford to make the same mistakes they did in the first game. They lost a significant lead in Game 1.
Payton Pritchard has now sent a warning to his team ahead of the highly anticipated Game 2. Pritchard played 24 minutes in Game 1 against the Knicks.
Payton Pritchard's message ahead of Celtics-Knicks Game 2
Speaking to the press, Pritchard said, "It's really like a must-win game. We know that. We've gotta take care of home court tonight. So, I think we'll come out with a lot of energy and stuff like that, especially after watching the Pacers-Cleveland game. It's a full 48-minute fight tonight."
He added, "We let off the throttle last game, up 20. Let that one slip. You can't let stuff like that happen."
Payton Pritchard on Celtics-Knicks Game 2 tonight:
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) May 7, 2025
"It's really like a must-win game... Especially after watching the Pacers-Cleveland game. It's a full 48-minute game." pic.twitter.com/5PV0N9VEcc
Pritchard also reflected on the Celtics' 45 missed threes during Game 1, which is an NBA playoff record.
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He said, "I think looking back at the film, majority of the threes were actually good looks...It's understanding at the moment, if we've missed consecutive ones in a row, maybe we need to get into the paint."
Payton Pritchard to @RochieWBZ on whether the Celtics will change their approach after missing 45 3s in their Game 1 loss to the Knicks:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) May 7, 2025
"I think looking back at the film, majority of the 3s were actually good looks...It's understanding at the moment, if we've missed consecutive…
He continued, "We're not gonna hesitate and try to change our whole game...This game can be entirely different...Can't ride the waves. Have to stay even-keeled."
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