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Knicks Make NBA History After Celtics Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gautam Varier | Last updated May 9, 2025 12:06 PM ET

The New York Knicks find themselves up 2-0 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks were massive underdogs coming into this series, but have won the first two games on the road at TD Garden to be in a commanding position.

The Knicks have pulled off these wins in a similar fashion, too. They were down by 20 points in the third quarter in Games 1 and 2 and required terrific defensive plays from Mikal Bridges to clinch the victories.

Bridges stole the ball from Jaylen Brown in Game 1 to secure a 108-105 win in overtime. Game 2, meanwhile, would end 91-90 in the Knicks' favor after Bridges stole the ball from Jayson Tatum.

The Knicks have completely outplayed the Celtics in the closing stages of games in this series so far. The defending champions have had their way much of the time, but have been outscored 63-38 in the fourth quarters and overtime.

The Knicks have led for just 12 minutes in total in this series and yet find themselves in the driver's seat. They have made history in the process, as Noa Dalzell shared via "The Hoop Collective" podcast that this is the first time a team has gone up 2-0 while leading for only 12 minutes in those first two games.

A wild stat on the Hoop Collective today

No NBA team had ever gone up 2-0 in a series while leading for only 12 mins in those first two games — until the Knicks did it this week
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) May 9, 2025

That puts into context just how incredible these two comeback wins were. Game 3 will be at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Another Knicks win there would all but end the series, as no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit.

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

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