The Boston Celtics are down 2-0 to the New York Knicks after dropping both games at home, with the results feeling very similar to each other.
In each instance, Boston stretched their lead to as much as 20, but the resiliency from Jalen Brunson and the rest of the crew cannot be denied. It’s the first time in NBA history that a team has won consecutive games while being down by at least 20 points.
Once the fourth quarter hits, the Knicks become a different team. They rank number one in fourth quarter scoring throughout these playoffs, averaging 29.3 points per game.
On the other side of things, the 2025 Celtics are the first team to blow back-to-back 20 point leads in the playoffs.
Observers can point to reasons like the fourth quarter collapses or the lack of efficiency from beyond the arc as to why Boston is in this position, however ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins is demanding more from superstar Jayson Tatum.
"At some point, Jayson Tatum's gotta say, 'I'm the best player on the floor. I cannot be guarded.' ... He's one of the most elite scorers in the game today, and I just don't see that tenacity. I don't see that dog in him,” Perkins said.
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Tatum is averaging just 18.0 points per game on 28.6% from the field, which is significantly down compared to his regular season numbers of 26.8 points with a 45.2 field goal percentage.
New York has constructed a team designed to be able to match up with Boston and so far it’s working. Yes Boston has been abysmal from three, making only 25/100 but give credit where it's due. Players like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart are playing a huge role in causing that.
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