The New York Knicks are rewriting the script of the 2025 NBA Playoffs—one comeback at a time. Just 48 hours after erasing a 20-point deficit to steal Game 1 in Boston, the Knicks did it again in a déjà vu Game 2, defeating the Celtics 91-90 and seizing a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Knicks vs. Celtics Game 2 Recap: A Tale of Two Halves

2025 NBA Playoffs: NBA Fans React to Knicks Pulling Off 2025 NBA Playoffs: NBA Fans React to Knicks Pulling Off
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Throughout most of Game 2, the Boston Celtics appeared to be in control, leading 73-53 in the final moments of the third quarter. Yet, as with Game 1, that buffer was insufficient. The New York Times reported that the Knicks stormed back on tenacious defense, clutch shooting, and ice-cold composure during crunch time.

New York scored 38-17 against Boston during the last 16 minutes of the game, taking advantage of a Celtics drought that lasted eight minutes without a field goal in the fourth quarter.

Knicks go-to scorer Jalen Brunson again came through in the clutch, proving why he's the Clutch Player of 2025. Following Jayson Tatum's dunk to briefly put Boston ahead, Brunson was fouled and sank two free throws to regain a 91-90 lead.

Mikal Bridges Shows Why He's a Defensive God in the Court

With seconds left, Celtics phenom Jayson Tatum brought the ball down the court in a last-gasp bid for redemption. But Knicks forward Mikal Bridges had something else in mind.

In a burst of defensive wizardry, Bridges shut down Tatum and broke up the play, securing the win for New York and quieting TD Garden for the second straight game.

How the NBA World Reacts to Celtics' Two-Game Comeback Losses

Sports Illustrated immediately noticed the surge of comments about the hotly contested Knicks-Celtics matchup. According to an NBA fan on X, the Knicks won't survive the crunch time in Game 2 if it weren't for Bridges' game-winning defensive play.

"We're up 2-0 against the Celtics and going back to MSG. IS THIS REAL LIFE???? one Knicks fan questioned on X.

"Cavs and Celtics 0-2 at home! WILD. Knicks end the game on a 38-17 run," Darius Butler, a media personality, commented on the post-game.

"Crazy how the exact same thing happened two games in a row," Noa Dalzell of the You Got Boston podcast said.

Celtics Face Must-Win Situation in Game 3

Now down 0-2, the heat is on the title holders. Boston will need to regroup and head to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will try to take advantage of home court and possibly administer a knockout punch in Game 3.

For the Celtics, changes are imperative, particularly in handling late-game execution. Going silent for almost a full quarter without scoring a field goal is a recipe for disaster, and the Knicks have taken advantage of that twice.

Can Boston rebound, or are the Knicks on a Cinderella run for the ages? This scenario will all boil down to Game 3.