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New York Knicks: 3 Players Credited by Former Lakers Star For Their Game 2 Win
Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis' Illness is May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

New York Knicks: 3 Players Credited by Former Lakers Star For Their Game 2 Win

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics  |  By Reign Amurao  |  Last updated May 8, 2025 8:56 AM ET

The New York Knicks stepped up to secure a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Although the Knicks were down as much as 20 points in the game, they never gave up and erased the deficit. The culmination of their comeback led to the clutch plays on both ends to give them the 91-90 victory.

On the offensive end, All-Star guard Jalen Brunson made two significant free throws. His final free throw of the game gave New York a one-point lead with less than 15 seconds left. On the other end, Celtics star Jayson Tatum saw a mismatch against Mitchell Robinson. He drove left for a potential game-winner. However, he was met by the hounding defense of the Knicks.

As Tatum tried to pass the ball outside, Mikal Bridges was already on his right side and got his third steal of the night. The Knicks secured the ball, and there wasn’t enough time for Boston to do anything to even the series.

After the game, former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson gave a notable shoutout to three players on the Knicks. According to Magic, he believes the three players helped Brunson and the team win.

“The biggest reason the Knicks won was because the three role players stepped up this game – Josh Hart had 23 points, Karl Anthony-Towns had 21, and Mikal Bridges notched the game ending block and 14 points to seal the victory for the Knicks. Their mindset to never give up came to fruition and they beat the Celtics 91-90,” the five-time champion posted on X (formerly Twitter).

For Game 3, the Celtics will be at a disadvantage as they’ll face the Knicks in their home court, Madison Square Garden. The third game of their best-of-seven series will be on Saturday.

Four-time champion thinks the pressure is on the New York Knicks to win Game 3


Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum Commends the Knicks For Their Game 1 Performance 1 Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket while being defended by New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

While they are up 2-0, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal thinks the New York Knicks are under pressure heading into Game 3. According to O’Neal, for the Knicks to put pressure on the defending champions, they must win at home on Saturday.

“They’re up two,” Shaq said. “Now, for the Knicks, don’t get comfortable, it’s a must-win for Boston but it’s also a must-win for the Knicks.”

His co-host, former All-Star Charles Barkley, agreed with his take. Based on his experience, Barkley said the New York Knicks have to stay composed and win three straight games against the Celtics.


New York Knicks Achieve Wild Feat Not Seen in the Last 25 Seasons After Game 2 Win Vs. Boston Celtics 4 New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) controls the ball while Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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