The New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics tonight in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, aiming to build on their dramatic Game 1 victory.
In Game 1, the Knicks overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to defeat the Celtics 108–105 in overtime, seizing home-court advantage.
It was an all-hands-on-deck approach in Game 1 — and that’s exactly what the Knicks will need tonight.
In Game 1, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 29 points, while Mikal Bridges played 51 minutes, hit a critical late-game three, and stole the ball from Jaylen Brown in the final seconds to secure the win. Josh Hart was a monster on the offensive boards. Notably, the Knicks’ comeback came with Brunson on the bench.
Knicks Figure Out How to Defend the Pick-and-Roll
A key to New York’s success was its improved defense — particularly how the Knicks stepped up their switching on Boston’s pick-and-roll actions. That aggressive, disciplined switching helped limit the Celtics’ three-point opportunities, forcing Boston into an NBA playoff-record 45 missed threes and holding them to just 25% shooting from deep.
Still, the Knicks fell into foul trouble in Game 1 — something they’ll have to avoid tonight. Karl-Anthony Towns picked up his third foul early in the Game 1’s second quarter, setting the stage for Boston 30-14 run to close the half. Brunson also picked up three fouls in the first half.
Boston, of course, remains dangerous despite the Game 1 loss. The odds are definitely in their favor tonight, but not the same extent at the start of the series.
The Celtics’ lineup could be shorthanded tonight, as Kristaps Porzingis and Sam Hauser are both listed as game-time decisions, potentially affecting their rotation and frontcourt strength.
Adding to Boston’s concerns, Brown’s health remains uncertain. While he’s expected to play, he’s managing a knee issue that has affected his ability to lift and finish.
That raises the key question: What percent of Brown will Boston actually have tonight? If he’s limited again, it could lead to another poor shooting night — something the Celtics can’t afford after their Game 1 struggles.
Still, these are the defending NBA Champions. Expect the Celtics to bounce back tonight.
Series Prediction: Celtics in six.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Tonight’s Knicks vs. Celtics game tips off just after 7:00 PM Eastern. The game airs live on TNT and streams on the TNT website and app, as well as Max.
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 7:00 PM Eastern
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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