- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 464,205
- Reaction score
- 44
The Boston Celtics entered the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks as overwhelming favorites, but after two stunning collapses, their championship hopes are in serious danger. Following a 108-105 overtime loss in Game 1, the Celtics dropped Game 2 in heartbreaking fashion, letting a 20-point lead slip away before losing 91-90 at TD Garden. What was once seen as a straightforward path to another NBA Finals appearance has quickly turned into a desperate fight to keep their season alive.
A major issue for the Celtics has been their inability to close out games, with poor late-game execution and questionable shot selection costing them both matchups. Kristaps Porzingis, who has been dealing with an illness, struggled to make a significant impact in Game 2.
New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby (8) and Mikal Bridges (25) defend Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0).© David Butler II-Imagn Images
Porzingis finished with just eight points and four rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench, and looked visibly fatigued, while lacking his usual aggressiveness on both ends of the floor.
Despite the team’s struggles, Porzingis downplayed the Celtics’ predicament after the game. When asked about the pressure of being down 2-0, he responded:
"In a way, it kinda takes all the pressure off of us. If you check the odds, maybe the Knicks are the favorites now to win."
His remarks, perhaps, meant to relieve tension, has sparked backlash from frustrated Celtics fans.
"Underdog gimmick is insane," one fan posted.
Another wrote, "Dumbest thing anyone can say. So now you’re the underdog because you played yourself into a ditch against an inferior team?"
"Brad Stevens expel him from this team immediately, I’m so serious," a third fan added.
"Lmaooo this attitude is precisely why u have blown two 20+ point leads in 2 playoff games back to back to be down 2-0," another fan posted.
Game 3 will serve as a defining moment for this Celtics squad as they attempt to salvage their title hopes.
Continue reading...
A major issue for the Celtics has been their inability to close out games, with poor late-game execution and questionable shot selection costing them both matchups. Kristaps Porzingis, who has been dealing with an illness, struggled to make a significant impact in Game 2.
You must be registered for see images attach
New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby (8) and Mikal Bridges (25) defend Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0).© David Butler II-Imagn Images
Porzingis finished with just eight points and four rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench, and looked visibly fatigued, while lacking his usual aggressiveness on both ends of the floor.
Despite the team’s struggles, Porzingis downplayed the Celtics’ predicament after the game. When asked about the pressure of being down 2-0, he responded:
"In a way, it kinda takes all the pressure off of us. If you check the odds, maybe the Knicks are the favorites now to win."
His remarks, perhaps, meant to relieve tension, has sparked backlash from frustrated Celtics fans.
"Underdog gimmick is insane," one fan posted.
Another wrote, "Dumbest thing anyone can say. So now you’re the underdog because you played yourself into a ditch against an inferior team?"
"Brad Stevens expel him from this team immediately, I’m so serious," a third fan added.
"Lmaooo this attitude is precisely why u have blown two 20+ point leads in 2 playoff games back to back to be down 2-0," another fan posted.
Game 3 will serve as a defining moment for this Celtics squad as they attempt to salvage their title hopes.
Related: Calls Mount for Joe Mazzulla's Firing After Decision in Celtics' Loss to Knicks
Related: Joe Mazzulla Sends Clear Jayson Tatum Message After Celtics’ Loss to Knicks
Related: Joe Mazzulla Sends Clear Jayson Tatum Message After Celtics’ Loss to Knicks
Continue reading...
