The Boston Celtics, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After a record-breaking regular season, the Celtics have dropped the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the New York Knicks, both in dramatic fashion. Boston fans are left asking: can this team bounce back and salvage their playoff run?

Celtics Suffer Back-to-Back Heartbreakers at Home

The opening two games at TD Garden could not have gone worse for Boston. In each contest, the Celtics built a commanding 20-point lead, only to see the Knicks surge back in the second half. In Game 1, New York rallied from 22 down to win in overtime. Game 2 featured another huge Celtics collapse, with the Knicks storming back for a 91-90 victory. These consecutive losses put Boston in a 0-2 hole—a scenario no reigning NBA champion wishes to face.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 20 points in Game 2, but the team shot just 36.2% from the field and only 25% from deep. Jayson Tatum’s struggles have become a growing concern for Celtics fans. He managed 13 points on 5-19 shooting and had a costly turnover on the final possession. The pressure is rising for these Celtics stars to find their rhythm before the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.

Knicks’ Resilience Overshadows Celtics’ Regular Season Prowess

Despite entering the series as favorites, the Celtics have struggled to handle the Knicks’ intensity. New York’s tenacity on the glass and timely defensive stands turned the tide in both games. Through two outings, Boston has missed an eye-popping 75 three-point attempts, while New York keeps capitalizing late in games. To see how the Celtics’ shooting woes played a key role in their losses, read the detailed game summary from ESPN.

Every phase of the game matters in the playoffs. The Celtics out-rebounded the Knicks in Game 2, but couldn't execute in the closing moments. Their late-game offense stagnated, and turnovers cost them dearly. Fans are now concerned about whether this team, so reliable all season, can recalibrate and respond under playoff pressure.

What’s Next for the Celtics?

With the series now shifting to New York, the Celtics face mounting urgency to respond. They’ve blown two significant leads at home, and history shows that teams falling behind 0-2 rarely advance. According to The Athletic’s live updates, the pressure is palpable as Boston prepares for Game 3.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff will need to find answers quickly. Adjustments in late-game execution, three-point shooting, and defensive discipline are all necessary. Veterans like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday will have to provide leadership on and off the court to keep the team’s championship dreams alive.

For those following the series closely, take a look at the full playoff schedule and odds. The stakes are high for the Celtics, who now must rewrite their postseason story to move forward.

Conclusion: Can the Celtics Complete the Comeback?

The Celtics’ 2025 playoff journey is teetering on the edge. With their backs against the wall, Boston must dig deep and show the resilience that defined their regular season. Redemption begins with Game 3 in New York. With stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown capable of taking over games, hope remains alive. Basketball fans everywhere will be watching to see how the Celtics respond to adversity and if they can keep their championship hopes alive.