Knicks' deja vu stuns Celtics in unbelievable run sparked by Mikal Bridges
Context:
The New York Knicks have achieved remarkable victories against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, overcoming significant 20-point deficits in both games. Despite being unable to defeat the top teams in the East during the regular season, the Knicks have transformed into formidable opponents, executing a stunning 21-2 run in the fourth quarter of Game 2, led by Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson. Bridges scored all 14 of his points in the final quarter, while Brunson secured the win with crucial free throws. The Celtics were held scoreless from the field for a significant portion of the fourth quarter, missing 14 consecutive shots. As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Knicks' confidence is soaring, believing they can achieve the extraordinary in this playoff run.
Dive Deeper:
The New York Knicks faced the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, a team with one of the best statistical offenses in NBA history, yet managed to win despite being down by 20 points in both games.
During the fourth quarter of Game 2, the Knicks went on an impressive 21-2 run, with Mikal Bridges scoring 14 points, all in the final quarter, after not scoring in the previous quarters.
Jalen Brunson, recognized as the NBA's top clutch player, played a pivotal role in securing the victory by making the game-winning free throws.
The Celtics were held without a field goal from the 8:40 mark of the fourth quarter until a late Jayson Tatum dunk, missing 14 consecutive shots during this critical period.
The Knicks' performance in the playoffs has been a stark contrast to their regular season, where they struggled against the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks' victories on the Celtics' home court were unexpected and described as magical, as they overcame substantial deficits in both Games 1 and 2.
Heading into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks are riding high on confidence and belief in their ability to continue their extraordinary playoff performance.
The New York Knicks are facing off against one of the best statistical offenses in NBA history.
Consecutive 20-point deficits should've been insurmountable.
But not for these Knicks. Not for this team.
The Knicks held Boston without a field goal from the 8:40 mark of the fourth quarter onward until a late Jayson Tatum dunk. The Celtics had 14 consecutive misses.
In that stretch, New York went on a 21-2 run.
Entering the fourth quarter, Mikal Bridges hadn't scored.
In the fourth, he dropped 14 points.
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Then late, it was the NBA's voted top clutch player, Jalen Brunson, finishing the job.
Brunson got to the line for the game-winning free throws.
The Celtics had the last shot, but Mikal Bridges snuffed Tatum to make the massive comeback hold up.
It doesn't seem possible.
The Knicks couldn't beat any of the East's best teams during the regular season.
But now, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, they've turned into giant killers.
Twice, on the legendary green court in Boston, the Knicks have stunned the defending champs. Stunned isn't even a strong enough word.
The Knicks have done the truly unbelievable. That word is overused, but not here.
They had no business winning Game 1, and they did from 75-55 down. They had no business winning Game 2, and they did from 73-53 down.
There's still a lot of series left to be played here.
But twice in a row, the Knicks have done the magical, the unthinkable, the legendary.
At this point, heading back to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, these Knicks probably believe they can do anything.
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