The Boston Celtics find themselves in a challenging position after losing the first two games of their playoff series against the New York Knicks, both at home. Historically, only five teams have overcome such a deficit to win a series, and the Celtics' struggles in late-game situations have raised concerns about their mental resilience and execution. Key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have faced criticism for their performances, and with Kristaps Porzingis dealing with an illness, the team is under pressure to adjust and avoid a potential sweep. The Knicks, on the other hand, have shown composure and defensive versatility, with Mitchell Robinson's impact on both ends of the court becoming a focal point of their success. The Thunder responded emphatically in Game 2, setting an NBA playoff record with 87 first-half points and securing a 149–106 win, tying the series at 1–1 .