Knicks Make NBA History with Consecutive 20-Point Comebacks Against Celtics

The New York Knicks have turned their comeback skills into an art form.

Just days after orchestrating a thrilling 20-point rally to upset the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks did it again. On Wednesday night, they erased another 20-point deficit with a powerhouse fourth-quarter performance, stealing a 91-90 victory, capped by Mikal Bridges’ crucial block.

This win gives the Knicks a commanding 2-0 series lead as they head back to Manhattan for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon. They’re now the first team in NBA playoff history to surmount 20-point deficits in back-to-back games. Contrast that with the Celtics, who blew just one such lead all season.

For three quarters on Wednesday, the Celtics seemed unstoppable. They charged into the game with a 16-4 start, kept the Knicks scoreless for nearly five minutes, and stretched their lead to 20 points in the third quarter. Everything seemed to be in Boston’s favor.

Yet, just as they did in Game 1, the Knicks launched a stunning fourth-quarter surge. They went on a 21-4 run, while the Celtics’ offense came to a standstill, missing 12 consecutive shots and enduring over eight minutes without scoring a field goal.

Jayson Tatum finally ended their drought with a straightforward drive and dunk, pulling Boston ahead by a point. However, Jalen Brunson responded on the other end by drawing a foul on a jumper and sinking both free throws to recapture the lead for the Knicks. Despite having the final possession, Tatum couldn’t get a shot off after Bridges’ buzzer-beating block left the Boston crowd in shock.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla explained the absence of a final timeout, believing they could execute the play again without giving Brunson an opportunity to sit out.

Derrick White contributed 20 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics in the loss. Jaylen Brown also scored 20, while Tatum finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 10 of 40 shots and setting a playoff record with 45 missed 3-pointers in Game 1.

For the Knicks, Josh Hart led with 23 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 17 rebounds. Bridges, though quiet for three quarters, exploded in the final period with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Game 3 heads to New York on Saturday afternoon. While the Knicks still have steps to climb to reach their first Eastern Conference finals since 2000, they have the NBA’s reigning champions on the ropes.