Celtics Historic Collapse: Blowing 20-Point Leads in Back-to-Back Games Against Knicks
A Shocking Turn for the Boston Celtics
In a stunning turn of events, the Boston Celtics have captured headlines for all the wrong reasons. The team has made NBA playoff history by becoming the first to blow 20-point leads in consecutive postseason games, falling to the New York Knicks in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. This historic collapse at TD Garden has ignited a firestorm of reactions, leaving fans and analysts reeling from the unexpected meltdown of a championship-caliber squad. Why is this happening now, and what does it mean for the legacy of one of the NBA's greatest franchises? Let’s dive into the story.
Background: A Storied Franchise with High Expectations
The Boston Celtics are no strangers to success. With 17 championships to their name, they are one of the most iconic teams in NBA history. Led by All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, this current roster has been built for deep playoff runs. However, despite their talent and pedigree, the team has faced recurring criticism for late-game execution in past postseasons. As highlighted by Sports Illustrated, this series against the Knicks has exposed those vulnerabilities in the most dramatic way possible.
Timeline of a Historic Collapse
The unraveling of the Celtics’ playoff hopes began on May 6, 2025, during Game 1 at TD Garden. Leading by 20 points, the team crumbled in crunch time, ultimately falling to the Knicks 112-109 in overtime. Just one night later, on May 7, 2025, history repeated itself in Game 2. The Celtics again surrendered a massive 20-point third-quarter lead, losing 91-90 in a heartbreaking finish, as reported by Sports Illustrated. By May 8, 2025, the basketball world was in shock, with discussions centering on this unprecedented 0-2 series deficit at home.
Emotional Impact: Agony and Underdog Triumph
The emotional toll of these losses is palpable. For Celtics fans, this collapse marks the first time since the 1950s that their team has started a playoff series at home with an 0-2 deficit. The pain of watching a legendary franchise falter under pressure has led to heated debates about coaching decisions and player mentality. On the other side, the Knicks embody the spirit of resilience, staging improbable comebacks that have electrified their fanbase. How does a team recover from such a devastating blow to their confidence?
Reliving the Heart-Stopping Moments
For those who missed the action, the final minutes of Game 2 were nothing short of cinematic. The tension, the turnovers, and the Knicks’ unrelenting drive are captured perfectly in this highlight reel from the official NBA channel. Watch below to see how the Celtics’ lead slipped away in real-time, leaving fans at TD Garden stunned.
Conclusion
✔️ The Boston Celtics are trending for a historic and heartbreaking collapse, blowing 20-point leads in back-to-back playoff games against the New York Knicks.
✔️ As fans grapple with shock and frustration, the team faces an uphill battle to salvage their postseason dreams and restore faith in their championship potential.
