After securing a big win in the opening game of the semifinal series against the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks extended their lead at TD Garden with an impressive victory. It also allowed them to reach an all-time record in NBA Playoffs history.
Interestingly, the Knicks had set an unwanted record at the start of the game. They ended the first quarter on Wednesday trailing 24-13. That reflected a poor showing on the court and also marked the franchise’s lowest-scoring opening quarter in the playoffs since the 2002-03 season.
In the first 12 minutes of the game, New York shot just 26.1% from the field (6-23) and 12.5% from beyond the arc (1-8). Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson led the team with 4 points each during that stretch, while Josh Hart (3) and Jalen Brunson (2) scored the remaining points.
The Knicks responded in time
After that rough first quarter, the Knicks found a better rhythm and managed to cut into the deficit during the second quarter, heading into halftime down 50-41 but showing a level of play more in line with what they had displayed throughout the season.
After a third quarter in which the Celtics seemed to regain control of the game, the final stretch played out very differently. Boston went more than eight minutes without scoring a field goal and missed 14 straight shots, allowing the Knicks to complete a memorable comeback—similar to what happened in Game 1.
In a frantic finish where both teams held the lead for only brief moments, Jalen Brunson hit key free throws to give his team the decisive edge, while Jayson Tatum was unable to convert on the final play of the game. That sealed the Knicks’ 91-90 victory and a 2-0 series lead as the matchup shifts to Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks make NBA history
Both semifinal games at TD Garden shared a common storyline: the Celtics jumped out to significant early leads, only for the Knicks to mount stunning comebacks and earn critical wins that boost their chances of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.
On Wednesday, the Knicks became the first team in NBA history to come back from 20+ points down and win in back-to-back playoff games. It’s a historic feat that will no doubt give them a major emotional lift heading into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, set for Saturday afternoon.
SURVEY Can Boston bounce back in the series?
Can Boston bounce back in the series?
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