Knicks complete an epic reversal and seize the lead in the East Final 2-0

On May 8, 2025, the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals G2 staged a shocking script: the Knicks reversed the Celtics 91-90 away and took a 2-0 lead in the seven-inning four-win system. The Celtics once established a 21-point advantage in the third quarter, but suffered an offensive collapse in the final quarter. The Knicks scored a 19-2 decisive victory climax, watching their opponent complete a historical playoff turnaround.

collapsed in the last quarter! The Celtics led by 21 points and were reversed

The Celtics completely controlled the rhythm in the first three quarters, and with the stable output of White and Brown, they led 73-52 into the final quarter. However, at the decisive moment, the Celtics' offense suddenly fell silent. In the last 9 minutes, they only scored 2 points with four free throws from Tatum and Horford, and missed a sports goal within 5 minutes and 37 seconds. The Knicks seized the opportunity to counterattack. Bridges scored 11 points in the last quarter, Hart scored 7 points in a row and sent out a key block. The team scored a 19-2 attack wave in 8 minutes and 32 seconds, and counterattacked from 16 points behind to overtaking 91-90. 1.2 seconds before the final game, Smart's three-pointer missed, and the Celtics lost a good game at home.

Player performance: role players carry the top, and the two stars are inaccurate in the key battle

The Knicks' "Big Four" contributed 68 points and 30 rebounds: Towns was in the interior, with 21 points and 17 rebounds (9 frontcourt boards) hit a career high in the playoffs; Brunson scored 17 points and 7 assists to control the rhythm, and made continuous breakthroughs in the last quarter caused damage; Hart continued his tough performance, 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, and the key defense freezes Tatum; Bridges transformed into a killer in the final quarter, making 11 points in 4 of 7 shots in a single quarter, including a key jump shot that overtakes the score.

The Celtics' double stars performed in both directions: Jaylen Brown scored 20 points and 6 rebounds, White scored 20 points and 4 assists, but Tatum made only 5 of 17 shots (0 sports scores in the last quarter), and 5 mistakes were made outside 13 points and 14 rebounds; the double-teamed 1 of 8 shots in the final quarter, and the team made 5 of 24 shots overall, with a shooting percentage as low as 20.8%, which became the main reason for losing.

Turning point: Defensive pressure + offensive execution reversed Qiankun

The winner and loser appeared in the last quarter at 7 minutes and 18 seconds - when Smart hit a three-pointer to widen the gap to 16 points (82-66), Knicks coach Thibodeau decisively changed into the five small teams, using speed to press the Celtics to conduct the ball, causing three consecutive mistakes. On the offensive end, Hart and Bridges took turns to attack the basket, Towns guarded the penalty area to protect the rebound, and the team scored 19-2 in the next 8 minutes: During this period, the Celtics only scored 2 points with Tatum's two free throws, while the Knicks blossomed in multiple points, Hart's landing, Bridges' mid-range, and Quickley made three-pointers in a row, finally completing the craziest reversal of the playoffs this season.

After this game, the Knicks returned to home court with a 2-0 advantage. If they can consolidate their victory in G3, they will likely return to the Eastern Conference Finals after 25 years; while the Celtics need to adjust the key offensive ball handling to avoid repeating the mistake of being reversed 3-0 last season in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both sides' G3 will be moved to Madison Square Garden on May 10. Whether the Celtics can win back the game has become a new highlight of the series.