For the second straight game, the New York Knicks found themselves staring at a daunting 20-point deficit against the defending champion Boston Celtics. And for the second straight game, they clawed their way back—this time securing a 91-90 victory at TD Garden to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Just like in Game 1, Mikal Bridges delivered the final dagger. With Jayson Tatum driving toward the basket in the closing seconds, Bridges swiped the ball away, securing the Knicks’ improbable win.
MIKAL BRIDGES THE CLUTCHEST DEFENDER IN THE NBA
pic.twitter.com/xYgMu6Dnx2— Teg🚨 (@IQfor3) May 8, 2025
“Just finding ways to win,” Bridges said after the game. “We never stop fighting, and we believe in each other.”
Bridges, who had missed all eight of his shot attempts before the fourth quarter, erupted when it mattered most, scoring all 14 of his points in the final period.
Prior to Wednesday night, no team had ever rallied from 20-point deficits to win consecutive playoff games. But the Knicks made history behind relentless defense and clutch execution.
Boston led 73-53 late in the third quarter, seemingly in control. But New York outscored the Celtics 38-17 in the final stretch, flipping the game on its head.
While Bridges stole the spotlight late, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were instrumental in the comeback. Brunson scored 17 points, including two clutch free throws with 12.7 seconds left to give the Knicks the lead. Hart led the team with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 17 rebounds.
Boston’s shooting woes continued, as they missed 13 consecutive shots in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 20 points, but Tatum struggled, finishing with 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting.
The Celtics, who swept the Knicks 4-0 in the regular season, now find themselves in a deep hole heading into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.
With the Knicks holding a 2-0 lead, they are now 85.7% likely to win the series based on historical trends. If Bridges and company continue their clutch performances, New York could be on its way to a monumental playoff upset.
