The Boston Celtics find themselves unexpectedly trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, despite leading for much of both games. This difficult scenario has led one NBA champion to believe there’s no turning back.
“This series is over,” said Kendrick Perkins during Thursday’s edition of ESPN’s Get Up, following Boston’s 91-90 loss at TD Garden. “The Celtics are done. They’re not coming back in this series… The Celtics will be lucky to get one game.”
Perkins even dismissed any hope Joe Mazzulla’s team might have based on their impressive road record during the regular season, when they won 33 of 41 games. “I don’t give a (expletive) about what the Celtics’ road wins or what they’re record looks like,” he said.
The 2008 NBA champion also emphasized how mindset will play a key role in the upcoming games. “I have all the trust and faith in the New York Knicks. They’re going to win this series,” he said. “Look, right now, they have the mental edge over the Boston Celtics. I don’t give a (expletive) what nobody say.”
Kendrick Perkins won the NBA title in 2008 with the Celtics
Things will get even tougher for Boston, says Perkins
Speaking about the upcoming matchups between the Knicks and the Celtics, Kendrick Perkins highlighted the atmosphere expected in New York on Saturday. “Do you realize how rocking Madison Square Garden is gonna be in Game 3? The energy in itself is gonna have the Knicks players making shots,” he said.
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“Do you realize that they have one of the best, the best clutch guy in Jalen Brunson? Do you realize that role players actually play better at home?” added the former center. “So, I’m expecting Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride, even Mikal Bridges to play better at home although, Mikal Bridges and those guys have been playing better on the road.”
Who’s to blame for Boston’s loss to Knicks?
After the game at TD Garden, Jayson Tatum spoke to the media and was candid about his own performance in the first two games against the Knicks. “I take full ownership on the way that I’ve played in this series. Can’t sugar coat anything. I need to be better,” said the 27-year-old forward.
However, unlike Kendrick Perkins, Tatum made it clear he doesn’t believe the series is over yet and looked ahead to the upcoming games at Madison Square Garden. “I expect to be a lot better,” Jayson said confidently.
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