May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) defends against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the last seconds of the fourth quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

3x NBA All-Star Calls Out Celtics' Closing Strategy vs Knicks

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Grant Mona | Last updated May 12, 2025 5:09 PM ET

Over the first two games of the second-round series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, there were major concerns regarding the defending champions. The Knicks came back from 20-point deficits in both games in Boston and stunned the Celtics' crowd and the NBA world.

Many of the late-game strategies employed by Celtics' head coach Joe Mazulla were under scrutiny due to the fashion in which the losses occurred. A high volume of three-pointers, turnovers, and missed defensive assignments buried the Celtics and gave the Knicks a 2-0 advantage in the series heading back to Madison Square Garden.

Jayson Tatum struggled mightily, the highly dependable role players that made Boston so dangerous did not rise to the occasion, and thus, Boston was in trouble. After winning in Game 3 in blowout fashion, the Celtics seemed to right the ship, but some still had questions.

Former Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas voiced his opinions on what the Celtics should do for the rest of the series.

Celtics need to rethink their late game strategy to win close games pic.twitter.com/hQzw7RjIbY
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) May 12, 2025

In an animated conversation with co-host and former NBA star Kenyon Martin, Arenas said, "1-4 flat is you...go to the baseline. All 4 of y'all. [Tatum] can see everyone coming if they decide to help."

The Celtics ran two identical plays at the end of Game 2's stunning loss to the Knicks, with Jayson Tatum going the length of the court against the New York defense.

Tatum downhill vs Robinson. WAY too easy for him into the dunk. pic.twitter.com/7XXiKCrk7q
— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) May 8, 2025

On the play that gave the Celtics the lead, Tatum got to the rim for an easy dunk. In the final play of the game, the Knicks went with more of a drop coverage and forced a bad shot in the corner with help from Mikal Bridges to seal the game.

"He ain't working on that shot right there...that's an 'improv' shot," Kenyon Martin said.

With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Knicks, Game 4 is pivotal for the Celtics to make sure they stay in the series.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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