Knicks shock Celtics with epic 20-point comeback to take 2-0 lead [VIDEO]

New York Stuns Boston 91-90 in Game 2 Thriller Behind Hart, Towns, and Brunson

The New York Knicks pulled off another stunning 20-point comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 91-90 in Game 2 of their second-round NBA Playoff matchup on May 7, 2025. The game, held at TD Garden in Boston, saw the Knicks surge late to snatch victory and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Down But Never Out: Knicks Rally Again

For the second game in a row, the Knicks found themselves trailing by 20 points, only to storm back and silence the Boston crowd. New York outscored the Celtics 30-17 in the fourth quarter. They were fueled by a 23-6 run that flipped the script and left TD Garden stunned. Now, the Knicks head home up 2-0.

The win was sealed by Jalen Brunson. He calmly knocked down two clutch free throws with 12.7 seconds remaining. Moments later, Mikal Bridges made a critical steal that prevented Boston from getting off a potential game-winning shot.

As a result, the Knicks have a reputation for comebacks and clutch wins in 2025.

Key Performances Power the Knicks

Josh Hart led all scorers with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns dominated inside with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Jalen Brunson added 17 points and 7 assists, showcasing poise in the clutch. But it was Mikal Bridges’ 14-point explosion in the fourth quarter that truly swung the momentum, including the game-sealing defensive play.

“It’s about heart,” Hart said postgame. “We never stopped believing. We’ve got dogs on this team.” This is the second straight game, following Game 1, where the Knicks did this.

If the Knicks keep this level of play going, they’re headed to the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s been twenty-five years since the Knicks made it that far. In 2000, they met the Indiana Pacers there and lost to them. The irony is that if the current Pacers keep their strong play up, they too are going to the Conference Finals.

So, if the Knicks, along with the Pacers, remain scrappy underdogs, a historic rivalry is renewed.

Tatum Struggles as Celtics Collapse Late

The Celtics were in control early, building a lead that ballooned to 20 points thanks to solid first-half contributions from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who finished with 20 points each. However, Jayson Tatum endured a cold shooting night, scoring just 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting and missing 13 straight shots in the fourth quarter.

Despite out-rebounding the Knicks 51-46 and holding a 17-15 edge in assists, Boston shot just 36.2% from the field and a woeful 25% from three-point range (10-of-40). Their fourth-quarter woes proved costly as New York surged late.

This is the second straight game, in this series, where the Celtics blew a 20-point lead.

Game Stats Snapshot:

Quarter Breakdown:

Series Outlook: Knicks in Command

With the win, the Knicks are now up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, with the next two games scheduled at Madison Square Garden. Historical data suggests teams that win the first two games on the road go on to win the series 85.7% of the time. Game 3 tips off on May 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

It’s often said that an NBA Playoff series doesn’t begin until a team loses at home. But taking a look at the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the home teams are having trouble winning. While Oklahoma City put an emphatic win down at home over the Nuggets, Tyrese Haliburton broke Cleveland’s heart. Then, in the other West matchup, the Warriors took a commanding Game 1 win, vs. Minnesota, but lost Steph Curry.

Media and Fan Reactions

Social media exploded after the game. @BleacherReport posted the “Final Sequence” video with the caption “Back-to-back 20-point comeback Ws for the Knicks!” while @barstoolsports noted the Knicks’ 23-6 closing run. @awfulannouncing shared the Celtics’ radio call as the team fell apart in crunch time.

Former NBA stars also weighed in. Paul Pierce, who earlier claimed he’d walk 15 miles barefoot if the Celtics lost, became a viral meme postgame. JR Smith tweeted “Mikal is HIM” after the guard’s heroic final minutes.

What Went Wrong for Boston?

While Boston dominated the regular season series, sweeping the Knicks 4-0, the playoffs have told a different story. In the regular season, the Celtics averaged 130.2 points per 100 possessions against New York, but they’ve failed to reach the 100-point mark in either playoff game.

The Celtics’ inability to close out games and lack of execution under pressure have shifted the momentum firmly in New York’s favor. Head coach Joe Mazzulla will face mounting pressure to adjust as the series heads to Manhattan.

Knicks Making History

This marks just the second time in NBA history that a team has come back from 20 points down in back-to-back playoff games. The Knicks’ defensive intensity, fourth-quarter poise, and depth have been difference-makers.

“It’s about resilience,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “This group doesn’t quit. They defend, they hustle, they play for each other.”

Looking Ahead

Game 3 will be a must-win for Boston to keep the series competitive. But with the Knicks now riding high off two improbable wins, Madison Square Garden is sure to be electric. It has been a long time since the Knicks played with an opportunity to reach the Conference Finals. Additionally, the Knicks are looking to avenge themselves from last season. If momentum carries, the Knicks have the Pacers in the Conference Finals. Of course, a lot can happen between then and now, as the series shifts.

So, the Knicks are solely focused on Game 3. If they get that win, they’re one win away from dethroning the defending NBA champions.

Expect more fireworks, more grit, and perhaps another chapter in what’s quickly becoming a playoff series for the ages.