The Knicks are well aware that advancing to the second round of the playoffs brings even tougher challenges than the six-game struggle they faced against Detroit.
“They’re a really solid defensive team,” Karl-Anthony Towns mentioned after Saturday’s practice, looking ahead to the Celtics.
Boston had a strong upper hand in the regular season, sweeping the Knicks in four games, which included a nail-biting overtime win in April. In those first three meetings, the Celtics amassed an impressive 63-point lead by halftime.
However, all those statistics will be reset once the playoff series kicks off. The matchup is set to start at TD Garden on Monday night, coinciding with the Celtics raising their 2024 Championship banner following a pre-game ceremony.
In their last encounter in early April, the Knicks initially took a three-point lead but mishandled their defense, allowing Jason Tatum to equalize in the closing seconds, leading to a Celtics overtime win.
“We clearly need to play better against them than we did throughout the regular season,” Jaylen Brunson observed.
He continued, “I think we improved in that last game. We learned from the first three matches, though we still need to execute better. We fought harder and that’s something to build on.”
Brunson, who celebrated the series-clinching basket against the Pistons in Game 6, emphasized that the team is now focused and mentally prepared for what lies ahead.
This marks the first time since 2000 that Tom Thibodeau’s squad has advanced past the first round, facing formidable opponents like former All-Star Jaylen Brown and the proven Celtics team.
Brunson noted that being viewed as heavy underdogs in this series doesn’t really concern the team.
The Celtics ended the regular season with a 19-3 run and dispatched the Magic in just five games in their opening round, showcasing their prowess.
The Knicks had their hands full against Cade Cunningham and the Pistons, but the Celtics present a well-rounded roster with solid defenders and proficient three-point shooters under coach Mazzulla.
“They’ve found a winning formula against the entire league,” Towns commented. “We just have to go out there and execute with discipline.”
Solid defensive strategies, particularly from Tatum and Brown alongside others like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, will be crucial for the Knicks to remain competitive.
Interestingly, in their series against the Magic, the Celtics averaged 31.2 three-point attempts per game, even with a prominent regular-season average of 48.2.
Follow the Knicks’ journey in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
“Naturally, limiting their three-point attempts is key, but it’s easier said than done,” Towns said. “We need to put thoughts into action.”
As they close the chapter on the first round, the Knicks’ experience in those tightly contested games against the Pistons has likely strengthened their resolve.
Brunson reflected, “Going through the ups and downs of the season tends to unite teams. Regardless of how we defeated Detroit, we’re looking ahead, improving, and there’s still an opportunity to grow.”
