Joe Mazzulla Addresses Controversial Decision After Celtics’ Loss to Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated May 7, 2025 11:48 PM ET

The Boston Celtics looked to be on their way to equalizing their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks when they led by a sizable margin in the fourth quarter.

But as was the case in Game 1 on Monday, they blew a big lead by going cold from the perimeter, and after losing Game 2 by a narrow margin of 91-90, they now trail the series 2-0 with the next two contests taking place at Madison Square Garden.

The Celtics had a chance to salvage Wednesday's game, however. After Jalen Brunson made two free throws with 12.1 seconds left, they had a crack at a game-winning shot. They elected not to take a timeout, and Jayson Tatum lost the ball to Mikal Bridges just before time ran out.

Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla explained why no timeout was called.

“Had one left, got a good look on the exact same play 20 seconds earlier,” he said. “Tried to execute the exact same thing, they did a better job of their lower pickup point.”

Joe Mazzulla on not calling a timeout on the last play:

“Had one left, got a good look on the exact same play 20 seconds earlier. Tried to execute the exact same thing, they did a better job of their lower pickup point.” pic.twitter.com/PUgMOwriQe
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) May 8, 2025

Before Brunson hit those two final free throws, Boston called a timeout and was able to spring Tatum loose for a dunk that put it ahead 90-89.

Tatum had another poor performance, as he went 5-of-19 from the field and scored just 13 points. In Game 1, he made just seven of his 23 field-goal attempts.

As was the case in Game 1, the Celtics couldn't buy a bucket down the stretch. They ended up going 10-of-40 from 3-point range after they were 15-of-60 from that distance on Monday, and they failed to hit a single basket for more than eight minutes in the fourth quarter, according to ESPN.

It is exceedingly rare for an NBA team to win a playoff series after losing the first two games at home. But that is now what the Celtics must accomplish if they are to keep their hopes for a back-to-back world championship alive.

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

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