The Boston Celtics are no strangers to high-stakes basketball drama. As one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, expectations are always sky-high for this powerhouse team. The 2025 NBA playoffs have delivered both heartbreak and hope for the Celtics, as they fight to defend their championship and reclaim their dominance in the Eastern Conference. In this article, we’ll explore what's been driving their performance, where the Celtics stumbled, and why the road ahead still demands attention from every basketball fan.

Celtics’ Playoff Rollercoaster: Slumps, Comebacks, and Shooting Woes

The postseason journey for the Celtics has been packed with dramatic twists. In back-to-back games, Boston shockingly gave up 20-point leads, creating a wave of doubt among fans and analysts. According to The Ringer’s detailed account, the Celtics became the first team in the play-by-play era to lose multiple 20-point leads in the same playoffs, and did so in consecutive games.

The major culprit? Cold shooting from behind the arc. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled to find rhythm, converting just 25 out of 100 three-point attempts across the first two games. Despite their talent, the team’s offense stagnated at crucial moments. The Knicks capitalized, displaying resilience and composure to steal both games in Boston, leaving the Celtics with an uphill climb in the series.

Regaining Momentum: Game 3 Turnaround

Hope was restored when the Celtics bounced back with a commanding performance in Game 3. They buried the Knicks under a barrage of three-point shots, finishing the game with 20 made threes and a 115–93 victory. ESPN highlights how All-Star Jayson Tatum and Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard each knocked down five threes, fueling the win. The Celtics shot an impressive 77% on open shots in Game 3, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles.

This revival didn’t just re-energize the fan base—it gave Boston a lifeline in the series. As Jaylen Brown pointed out after the game, “You’ve got to beat us four times...so there's a lot of basketball to be played.”

Celtics’ Odds: Still Favorites in the East?

While the Celtics found themselves in a 2-0 hole, bookmakers still kept them among the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. According to Yahoo Sports, nearly 45% of the money wagered on an East champion was on the Celtics, keeping their odds ahead of rival teams.

Their dominance in the regular season—especially from the three-point line—has not gone unnoticed. If the Celtics return to form and maintain their Game 3 momentum, there’s every reason to believe a deep playoff run is still within reach.

Key Takeaways and Looking Forward

The 2025 playoffs have tested the Celtics’ resolve. From devastating collapses to exhilarating comebacks, Boston remains the center of NBA conversation. The stakes are higher than ever as the Celtics aim to rewrite the narrative, leveraging their experience and talent to push for another championship bout.

Fans, analysts, and bettors will keep a close eye on Boston as the series continues. With the ability to hit historic heights—and recover from crushing lows—the Celtics are far from finished. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a curious basketball observer, now is the time to watch Boston's playoff story unfold.