The Boston Celtics suffered a crushing 91-90 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, at TD Garden. The defeat puts the defending NBA champions in a dangerous 2-0 series deficit as the matchup shifts to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4.
Celtics Blow Another Double-Digit Lead in Game 2 Loss
For the second straight game, the Celtics squandered a significant lead—this time a 20-point advantage—mirroring their Game 1 collapse. Boston's offense went cold in the fourth quarter, scoring just 17 points and failing to execute in the clutch.
With 13 seconds remaining and trailing by one, head coach
Joe Mazzulla made the controversial decision not to call a timeout. The final possession ended in a turnover by Jayson Tatum, sealing Boston's defeat and igniting backlash from the fanbase.
“No timeout. Fire Mazzulla,” one fan posted on social media. Another added, “Call a timeout and draw up a play. It’s a simple sport.”
Calls for Mazzulla’s dismissal have intensified despite his championship success just one season ago. His playoff decision-making is now under serious scrutiny.
Knicks Stay Perfect on the Road
The
New York Knicks continue to exceed expectations, improving to 4-0 on the road this postseason. After erasing a 20-point deficit in Game 1 and shooting 45% from beyond the arc, the Knicks once again showed resilience and composure under pressure in Game 2.
Kendrick Perkins Warned: "If Celtics Go Down 0-2, It's Over"
Former Celtics center and current analyst
Kendrick Perkins foreshadowed the urgency of Game 2:
"If [the Celtics] go down 0-2, this series is over. You better win Game 2."
Now down two games, the Celtics are in must-win territory heading to New York.
Celtics' Shooting Woes Continue
Boston’s offensive struggles have been a major storyline. In Game 1, they set an NBA playoff record by missing 45 three-pointers (15-for-60). In Game 2, poor execution down the stretch once again doomed them.
Coach Mazzulla defended the shot selection but admitted some regret:
“I loved the majority of our shots. There was probably 10 or 11 you could take back considering the flow of the game.”
Jrue Holiday Earns NBA Social Justice Champion Award
In a positive moment before tip-off, Jrue Holiday was honored with the 2025 NBA Social Justice Champion Award, named after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Mazzulla praised Holiday’s leadership:
“It’s bigger than basketball... I’m happy for Jrue.”
Holiday’s recognition adds to his resume, which includes three Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year awards and two NBA Sportsmanship Awards.
Injury Report: Sam Hauser Out, Kristaps Porzingis Returns
The Celtics were without
Sam Hauser in Game 2 due to a right ankle sprain. Hauser struggled in Game 1, going 0-for-2 in limited minutes, but his absence thinned Boston’s rotation further.
Kristaps Porzingis, who missed Game 1 with an illness, returned but had minimal impact in his short Game 2 appearance.
What's Next: Must-Win Games at Madison Square Garden
With the series shifting to New York, the Celtics must win at least one game at MSG to stay alive. Their margin for error is now razor thin, and the
pressure is mounting to make key adjustments—especially in late-game execution and three-point shooting.
The basketball world will be watching closely to see if the Celtics can bounce back and keep their title defense alive—or if the Knicks will continue their Cinderella run.
