Knicks Stun Celtics Again, Seize 2-0 Lead with Another Fourth-Quarter Rally in Boston

Another Collapse, Another Comeback

The New York Knicks returned to TD Garden on Wednesday knowing the Celtics would come out swinging. Boston built a 73-53 lead midway through the third quarter, looking like they’d erased the sting of their Game 1 meltdown.

But once again, the Knicks stormed back — closing the game on a 23-6 run and escaping with a stunning 91-90 win to steal home-court advantage and take a 2-0 lead.

Jalen Brunson hit the game-winning free throws, and Mikal Bridges capped it with a game-saving strip of Jayson Tatum in the final seconds. The Celtics had no answer.

Celtics Collapse from Deep — Again

Boston’s woes from beyond the arc continued. After a record-setting 45 missed threes in Game 1, they followed up by going just 10-for-40 in Game 2 — again 25%.

Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 1-for-9 in the fourth quarter. Tatum finished with only 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting.

Bridges and Brunson Deliver Late

Brunson, the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, scored nine in the fourth and calmly sank the final two free throws. Bridges, previously 0-for-8, came alive when it mattered — scoring 14 in the fourth quarter while Brunson rested.

“Just finding ways to win,” said Bridges postgame.

“Going home, we realize the opportunity we have,” added Brunson.

Knicks Defense Shuts the Door

New York’s defense dominated late. Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby disrupted the Celtics’ final play, forcing a turnover. Robinson finished +19 in 22 minutes and was so effective that Boston intentionally fouled him late to try and get him off the floor.

“That just made me feel like I’m a threat,” Robinson said.

Josh Hart led the Knicks with 23 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 and 17 rebounds, and Brunson had 17.

Celtics Reeling, Knicks Rising

Boston has been resilient before, but this feels different. Back-to-back home losses. Two blown 20-point leads. And now, the series shifts to Madison Square Garden with New York full of confidence.

“Knicks in four,” chanted the traveling fans.

And suddenly, it doesn’t sound so far-fetched.