Despite a 2-0 defeat and a road to Madison Square Garden, there is no reason to defend NBA champion Boston Celtics panic.
Amid the unpredictable landscape of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics are in an unpredictable dilemma. Despite the regular season dominance and the New York Knicks sweep, the Celtics wasted a 20-point lead in back-to-back games and are now leading 0-2 in the series. With the series moving to Madison Square Garden, looming questions about Boston’s reliance on three-point shooting and its ability to adapt under pressure. The Celtics must rediscover their championship form to avoid early exits in the playoffs.
Boston Radio host blamed the Celtics' first two losses on “not taking the Knicks seriously.”
“They didn't take them seriously. They'd definitely fight them. I didn't take them seriously… The Knicks still blow… They're trash. They're trash.” pic.twitter.com/0uxfxkjwnx
— Knicksmus (@knicksmuse) May 9, 2025
Dangers of peripheral dependence
Boston's offensive strategy relies heavily on three-point shooting percentage, staggering at a critical moment. In Game 1, the Celtics set an NBA playoff record by missing 45 3-pointers, converting only 15 of 60. The second game has improved slightly, but they still have only 10 of the 40 out of the arc. This over-reliance makes their offense predictable, thus allowing the Knicks to focus on perimeter defense and disrupt Boston's rhythm. The Celtics’ inability to diversify their offensive approach has become a clear vulnerability, and New York has taken advantage of the control of the series. However, it is hard to ignore Boston’s performance throughout the season, and it is hard to ignore the fact that there is a mathematical average.
The next game 3. pic.twitter.com/xwmq2jwf5u
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 9, 2025
Although Boston's shooting disaster was obvious, the Knicks' defensive tenacity played a role in their comeback victory. Mikal Bridges offers clutch defense despite offensive struggles, including game steals in two games. Celtic stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been trying to find their footing, with Tatum making 5 of 19 in Game 2. The limited impact of the disease caused by Kristaps PorziņģIS further adds to Boston's challenge. The Celtics are unable to exploit their prospects and adapt to New York’s defensive plans, making them vulnerable and finding answers.
The Crossroads of the Champions Tour
The Celtics are 0-2 behind 0-2 and face a critical moment in their pursuit of defending their title. Historically, the team at the location had a steep hill to climb, and only a few were able to reverse that deficit. Boston’s path forward requires introspection and adaptability. They have to reevaluate their offensive strategy, perhaps reducing their reliance on three-pointers and focusing on creating advanced opportunities.
Defensively, it is crucial to include New York's major contributors such as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Celtics’ reaction in the upcoming game will not only determine the outcome of this series, but also define their resilience and championship.
New York's next✈️ pic.twitter.com/nbprjqwjlc
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 9, 2025
The reality is that the Celtics have no reason to panic. If you want to bet on one of the best shooting teams ever to continue this horrible stretching, in that thing they lost two games with a total of 4 points, go for it. But not me. Despite losing two games at home, Boston still won the series in Las Vegas. The reality is that they sometimes dominate both games while also surviving. One thing is clear. The Celtics are able to blow out the Knicks. The kick doesn't seem capable of reversing that. So, when Knicks fans do their jobs, celebrating their winning 2-0 lead before reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, they might want to consider the facts. The Celtics are at risk to the entire league when they are still alive.
