The Boston Celtics find themselves in a perplexing predicament, down 2-0 to the New York Knicks in the series but struggling to comprehend how they squandered two sizable leads in both games. Despite their defensive efforts not allowing points off turnovers in the fourth quarter, the Celtics faltered in crunch time, missing key shots and turning the ball over, ultimately letting wins slip through their fingers. While star players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have shown flashes of brilliance, their clutch-time struggles and the impressive performance of the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, have left Boston scratching their heads and searching for answers.
The Celtics' reliance on the 3-point shot has backfired, as they've gone cold in the fourth quarters of Games 1 and 2, shooting a dismal 4-of-26 from beyond the arc. With the Knicks demonstrating resilience and confidence, winning all five postseason road games by slim margins, Boston faces an uphill battle to turn the series around. In addition to their on-court woes, concerns loom over Kristaps Porzingis' health, as he battles sickness and struggles to find his rhythm on the court. As the Celtics grapple with their unraveling performances, they must regroup and find a way to overcome their late-game woes to avoid a potential early playoff exit.