Knicks Stun Celtics Again: Brunson's Clutch Heroics Put Boston in 0-2 Hole

Celtics Collapse Again: Knicks Steal Another One, Take 2-0 Lead in Dramatic Fashion

The Boston Celtics are spiraling. For the second straight playoff game, they built a strong lead, only to let it slip through their fingers when it mattered most. If you're a Celtics fan, this feels like déjà vu—and not the good kind.

After coughing up another double-digit lead, Boston now trails the New York Knicks 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The script? Almost identical to Game 1. The ending? Even more heartbreaking. The Celtics couldn’t buy a bucket when they needed it the most, and the Knicks pounced, securing a 91-90 win that silenced TD Garden once again.

🚨 What's Going Wrong in Boston?

Let’s not sugarcoat it—this series could easily be flipped if the Celtics had simply executed in the fourth quarter. But instead of closing things out, they’ve collapsed twice, and both losses came with leads of more than 10 points in the second half.

In Game 2, it wasn’t just a rough patch—it was a meltdown. Boston went over seven minutes without a field goal in the fourth quarter. In playoff basketball, that’s the kiss of death.

And during that dry spell? The Knicks surged with a 21-2 run that completely flipped the momentum and the game. It was brutal to watch, especially considering how sharp the Celtics looked early on.

🌟 Knicks’ Dynamic Duo: Brunson & Hart Deliver Again

Jalen Brunson once again showed why he’s becoming one of the clutchest players in this year’s playoffs. His fourth-quarter heroics were nothing short of electric. Time after time, when the Knicks needed a bucket, Brunson delivered—ice in his veins.

But he wasn’t doing it alone.

Josh Hart was the surprise scoring leader for New York, putting up 23 points in an all-out hustle performance that saw him contribute in nearly every aspect of the game. Hart brought energy, defense, and toughness—everything you’d want from a playoff performer.

And let’s not overlook Karl-Anthony Towns, who dropped a monster double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds. The Celtics had no answer for him in the paint. He was physical, aggressive, and controlled the glass, giving the Knicks multiple second-chance opportunities.

🔥 Key Takeaways from Game 2:

1. Jaylen Brown Looked Sharp... But It Wasn’t Enough
   If there was a silver lining for Boston, it’s that Jaylen Brown looked as healthy and aggressive as ever. He finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and was the early offensive spark. But the Celtics desperately needed more help around him—especially late in the game.

2. Celtics Still Can’t Find Their Stroke
   The shooting woes continued. After bricking 45 threes in Game 1, Boston followed it up by hitting just 25% from deep and barely 36% from the field overall in Game 2. That’s simply not going to cut it in the postseason. If this cold streak carries over to New York, Boston might not make it back home for a Game 5.

3. Mikal Bridges Was Quiet on Offense, Loud on Defense
   While he didn’t fill up the scoring column, Mikal Bridges’ lockdown defense in crunch time was pivotal. He made things uncomfortable for Jayson Tatum and disrupted the Celtics’ rhythm in the final minutes.

🏀 Highlight Moment: Brunson’s Clutch Buckets + Bridges’ Defensive Stand

The turning point? Jalen Brunson hitting back-to-back go-ahead baskets in the final minute, stunning the Boston crowd and giving the Knicks a slight edge they never gave back. But right behind that was Bridges’ huge defensive sequence, where he stripped Derrick White on a crucial possession and shut down Boston’s last real shot at stealing the win.

That combination—Brunson’s fearlessness and Bridges’ tenacity—was the dagger. New York didn't just win; they stole another game right from under the Celtics' noses.

🎯 What This Means Moving Forward

The Celtics are now heading to Madison Square Garden down 2-0, having lost both home games in heartbreaking fashion. And let’s be clear: MSG is going to be absolutely rocking when the series shifts. The Knicks now hold home-court advantage, all the momentum, and the belief that they can close this thing out.

For Boston, the margin for error is now zero.

They’ll need more than just a better shooting night—they’ll need toughness, focus, and some serious fourth-quarter execution if they want to avoid falling into a nearly insurmountable 3-0 hole.

🧠 Quick Stats Recap:

• Final Score: Knicks 91, Celtics 90

• Knicks Leaders:

  • Josh Hart: 23 points

  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 21 pts, 17 rebs

  • Jalen Brunson: Clutch 4th quarter performance

• Celtics Leaders:

  • Jaylen Brown: 20 pts, 6 rebs

  • Jayson Tatum: Cold in the clutch

  • Team shooting: 25% from 3, 36% FG overall

• Big Run: Knicks' 21-2 run in the 4th quarter

• Highlight: Brunson’s back-to-back daggers + Bridges' defensive stop

❗ Final Thoughts: Time for Boston to Answer the Bell

There’s no sugarcoating this one—the Celtics blew two winnable games. And now, they’re up against the wall. If Game 3 turns into another late collapse, this series could be over before they ever find their rhythm.

Boston needs a response. Not just a win—but a statement. Because right now, the Knicks are outplaying them in clutch time, out-hustling them for loose balls, and out-shooting them when it matters.

And if the Celtics don’t figure it out fast, they’re headed for an early and embarrassing exit.