Historic Mikal Bridges News Revealed After Knicks-Celtics Game 2

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 9, 2025 12:12 AM ET

The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference Semifinals, thanks to back-to-back one-point victories on the road. In Game 2, the Knicks overcame a 20-point third-quarter deficit to secure a 91-90 win at TD Garden.

Key contributions came from Josh Hart, who led all scorers with 23 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who added 21 points and 17 rebounds. Jalen Brunson also played a crucial role, hitting two clutch free throws with 12.7 seconds remaining to give the Knicks the lead.

The Celtics struggled offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they missed 14 consecutive field goals and managed only 17 points. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were held to a combined 13-for-42 shooting, largely due to the Knicks' stifling defense led by OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.

Anunoby effectively contained Tatum, while Bridges' defensive skills were on full display in the game's final moments. Bridges made a game-sealing defensive play by stealing the ball from Tatum in the closing seconds, marking the second consecutive game where he secured the victory with a last-second defensive stop.

This feat makes him the only NBA player in the last 20 years to have a steal or block in the final five seconds to preserve a one-possession lead in two consecutive games, whether in the regular season or playoffs.

Mikal Bridges of the @nyknicks is the only NBA player in the last 20 years to have a steal or block in the final 5 seconds to preserve a one-possession lead 2 games in a row (regular season or playoffs). pic.twitter.com/s7pcliIKuD
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 8, 2025

The Knicks' defensive strategy, emphasizing versatility and intensity, has been instrumental in their success. As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Knicks aim to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of a deep playoff run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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