They were unable to overcome the poor start established by the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their playoff series against the New York Knicks. They only managed to not score a single point in the first quarter! In all honesty, it was a good thing given what awaited the team in a matchup of heavyweight programs at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks played their cards right and avoided losing many key players to serious injuries.
From the outset, the Celtics struggled offensively. As much as Atlanta fought to reverse the current, Jaylen Brown was still able to break off Boston’s first points with a 15-foot two-point shot. Their inability to score in the first period put them well behind the eight-ball early on. Payton Pritchard’s earlier attempt at a 25-foot three-point step-back jump shot fell short, adding to the team’s offensive woes.
The Knicks were able to run a much more efficient offense. Mitchell Robinson was a force in his own right bringing down the house with a massive 2-foot driving dunk that shook Cameron’s rafters. Jalen Brunson hit a two-pointer to raise the numbers on the scoreboard. At the same time, Josh Hart and Miles McBride flat-out clanked their three-point looks.
The Celtics lost even more, as Sam Hauser missed, having last played on May 10. Hauser’s absence was keenly felt as Boston couldn’t find its rhythm at any point during the game. At the same time, the Knicks benefited from a charmed circumstance with all the injuries leaving no effect on their starting five.
As the game moved on, Payton Pritchard made up for it. To start the 4th quarter, he launched from deep and gave Boston life after connecting on a 25-foot three-point jumper with an assist from Jrue Holiday. Al Horford continued to launch from deep, but all his shots kept bricking. He was unable to capitalize on those vital high-scoring opportunities.
In the opening quarter, both teams had difficulty finding the hoop. Even when Jalen Brunson missed a 27-foot three-point pull-up jump shot, Mikal Bridges was largely ineffective on the defensive end. When the Knicks shot well from the perimeter, it left Boston scrambling defensively. This incredible showing only further stacked the deck against the visiting side.
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