The Boston Celtics entered the NBA playoffs as one of the league’s powerhouse teams. Their impressive regular-season record and recent playoff runs made them favorites against the New York Knicks. However, Game 1 ended in disappointment for Boston fans. The Celtics squandered a 20-point lead and fell in an overtime thriller, raising new questions about their approach and future in this series.

A Historically Cold Night From Beyond the Arc

The Celtics have built much of their identity around efficient three-point shooting. But in Game 1, their trademark weapon became their Achilles’ heel. Boston missed a staggering 45 three-pointers, setting an NBA postseason record. According to ESPN, the team went just 15-of-60 from deep. Even more concerning, many of those shots were uncontested. Despite generating high-quality looks, Boston simply could not convert when it mattered most.

Jaylen Brown, one of the Celtics’ stars, remarked, “Some of 'em felt good, some of 'em felt like we maybe forced the issue.” The Celtics' shot selection drew some criticism, especially with the game on the line. Instead of attacking the basket or seeking easier points, they continued to settle for long-range attempts.

Knicks Capitalize on Boston’s Struggles

The Knicks capitalized on the Celtics’ cold streaks, especially in the second half. OG Anunoby seized the moment by taking over, helping the Knicks erase Boston’s double-digit lead. The New York Post highlighted Anunoby’s pivotal performance as the turning point. Instead of folding, New York showed relentless tenacity on both ends.

While Boston’s offense went stagnant, New York found timely shooting. The Knicks sank 17 threes on far fewer attempts. Clutch plays from Jalen Brunson and tough rebounding made the difference, swinging momentum away from the Celtics.

Analysis: Is the Process Sustainable for the Celtics?

Following the defeat, analysts questioned whether Boston’s reliance on the three is sustainable in the postseason. The Ringer pointed out that “nothing about Celtics-Knicks feels sustainable.” Despite losing, Boston created a significant number of open looks. During the regular season, these shots often fell. In Game 1, the results were just not there.

Coach Joe Mazzulla defended the process. He told the media, “Our shot quality was high.” The Celtics also effectively forced beneficial matchups, frequently targeting the Knicks’ weaker defenders in pick-and-roll situations. Even with poor shooting, Boston’s offense put them in a position to win. The team’s main challenge is regaining confidence and adjusting during crunch time.

What Lies Ahead For Boston?

Dropping Game 1 at home is never ideal, especially for a championship contender. However, the Celtics have reason to be optimistic. Their defense kept the game close. They still generated excellent looks on offense, and historically, Boston’s shooters bounce back after a slump.

The pressure is on the Celtics to adjust their shot selection and make better decisions in high-pressure moments. Attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and mixing up their offensive approach may be keys to turning the series around. Boston’s playoff experience and depth could still swing the tide in their favor.

Conclusion

The Celtics’ overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1 serves as a stark reminder that playoff basketball demands both reliability and adaptability. Boston’s shooting woes opened the door for the Knicks to steal a crucial victory, but the series remains far from over. If the Celtics can rediscover their rhythm and capitalize on the adjustments ahead, their championship hopes are still very much alive. Stay tuned as this hard-fought series continues, and don’t miss the latest in-depth analysis and updates as Boston looks to bounce back.