May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and center Al Horford (42) react after play against the New York Knicks in the third quarter during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

Ex-NBA Champion's Strong Statement on Celtics-Knicks Game 2

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Terry Kimble | Last updated May 7, 2025 6:46 PM ET

Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics is Wednesday night, with the home team Celtics needing a win to even the series. New York shocked Boston after a thrilling overtime win on Monday. The Knicks overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to take home-court advantage away from the defending champions.

Boston went ice-cold from the three-point line, missing a playoff-record 45 three-point shots in the loss. Head coach Joe Mazzulla thought his team had good looks, but just didn't knock down their shots. “I thought throughout the night, for the most part, we fought for good looks throughout the game,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.

To even the series, the Celtics must shoot the ball better from deep, and former New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins thinks Wednesday's game is a must-win for the Celtics. The ESPN star went on First Take to give his strong opinion about Game 2.

"If [the Celtics] go down 0-2, this series is over with." @KendrickPerkins says Game 2 is a "must-win" for the Celtics to keep this series within reach. pic.twitter.com/wgAlHlr52n
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 6, 2025

"You go down 0-2, this series is over with", Perkins said on the air. "I don't get a damn what nobody says......you better win Game 2. Hell yeah it's a must-win for the Boston Celtics." A win for the Knicks would mean they return home with a 2-0 lead and the next two games at Madison Square Garden.

Before Monday's win, the Celtics had dominated the Knicks, winning nine of their last ten matchups. However, on Monday night, New York showed plenty of resolve in its comeback victory. The Knicks are now 4-0 on the road this postseason, having won all three games on the road against the Pistons in the first round.

gotta go out and fight pic.twitter.com/K6tWJOllaq
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 7, 2025

New York shot 45% from beyond the arc in Game 1, compared to the Celtics' 25%. During the regular season, Boston attempted and made the most three-pointers in the league. Tip-off for Monday night's game is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. CST.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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