Knicks Star’s Quote Highlights Key Issue For Celtics In Round 2

The Celtics were expected to bounce back, but they gave up a 20-point lead again and went down 0-2 against the Knicks.

Boston’s 3-point shooting woes continued in Game 2 at TD Garden on Wednesday, and it allowed New York to go on a 21-2 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead.

Jayson Tatum struggled in the fourth quarter for a second straight game. However, he made a clutch play when he drove downhill for an easy dunk. Tatum didn’t score the game-winner as he was swarmed by Knicks defenders and turned the ball over. The Celtics had multiple options with a one-point deficit, but New York knew what Tatum wanted to do.

“I knew they were going to try to get to the rim,” OG Anunoby told reporters, per SNY video.

That quote highlighted a huge problem for the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals: predictability. Boston’s final two plays were nearly the same. Al Horford gave Tatum a high ballscreen with Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson guarding the action. Tatum’s ability to drive with a full head of steam caught New York off guard. However, the Knicks were in better position to guard the play, and instead of driving to the basket, Tatum drifted and allowed Mikal Bridges to deflect his pass.

New York is clearly outmatched when it comes to talent. But Boston made it easy for Tom Thibodeau’s defense to allow help defenders force turnovers and generate transition points.

The Celtics’ 3-point shooting struggles didn’t help, but their predictability on offense has helped the Knicks stay in games and put them on the verge of an upset.