This isn’t a new challenge for the Knicks.
They’ve had a tough time controlling offensive rebounds in the playoffs, and the Celtics are certainly capitalizing on that. After two games, Boston’s shooting has significantly inflated their opportunities.
Entering Game 3, Boston held a 2-0 lead in the conference semifinals, with players like Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and Karl Anthony Towns contributing to a troubling total of 35 offensive rebounds. Frankly, that’s quite a lot.
They’ve recorded the lowest defensive rebound percentage among the four remaining teams in the Eastern Conference, at just 66.3%. That’s also the seventh lowest across the entire postseason so far.
Despite this, they somehow sidestepped a total disaster.
The Celtics have managed a margin of plus 13 on second-chance points, which is concerning. The Knicks really need to nail this aspect down, as it’s something that could cost them against reigning champions.
“We know they’ve been quick to capitalize on offensive boards,” a Knicks player mentioned after practice. “But when the game starts, it feels different. It’s a whole other thing.”
In fact, during the first round against the Pistons, the Knicks gave up more offensive rebounds in four of those six games. The Celtics’ strategy, using a five-out offense, adds another layer to the problem.
Coach Tom Thibodeau pointed out that smaller players can really get a “running start” when crashing the boards. The Knicks need to change how they approach the basket area, as this has become a habit they cannot afford.
Updates from the Knicks’ post-season journey in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
There were still moments where the Celtics capitalized on rebounds near the basket. For instance, in the fourth quarter of Game 2, Kristaps Porzingis scooped up a rebound off a Jayson Tatum shot that barely nicked the rim, leading to a two-point play and a foul.
Earlier in the game, Jaylen Brown took advantage of a missed shot from Jrue Holiday and managed to crash the boards from outside the three-point line.
Ultimately, according to Towns, it boils down to execution.
“You just have to find your man and box out. It’s about doing that over and over again for a full 48 minutes.”
As the playoffs progress, the Knicks’ challenges remain present, but they need to address these issues if they hope to advance further. Towns acknowledges, “We’ve made these mistakes before, and we’re trying to refine our game to be better than in the first two matchups.”
