The defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, entered the 2025 playoffs aiming to repeat their title success after clinching a record-breaking 18th championship last season. However, their journey to another title hit an unexpected hurdle in the second round. On Monday, the Celtics suffered a surprising 108-105 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the series.
What made the loss even more shocking was how it occurred. The Celtics had built a comfortable 20-point lead, but the Knicks stormed back to force overtime and ultimately take the win on Boston’s home court. The collapse left many fans stunned and raised concerns about the Celtics’ ability to maintain control in pressure situations.
One of the most shocking issues for the Celtics was their cold shooting night from three-point range. Boston missed 45 three-pointers and finished the game shooting just 25% from deep. That mark set a playoff record for the most missed threes in a single game. Meanwhile, the Knicks left room for error by missing 17 free throws, but Boston couldn’t capitalize.
The Celtics missed 45 threes tonight.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 6, 2025
The most ever in a playoff game. pic.twitter.com/xOwBcvsDBR
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 23 points each. However, their shooting from deep was a major concern. The All-Star duo combined to go just 5-of-25 from beyond the arc, struggling to find a rhythm when the team needed it most.
On the Knicks’ side, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson each delivered 29 points to spearhead the comeback. Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns also chipped in effectively, contributing 14 points apiece in the statement road win.
Jrue Holiday Reacts To Celtics Trailing In A Series For The First Time
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Following the loss, Celtics guard Jrue Holiday acknowledged the challenge ahead. The Celtics guard also offered his perspective on how the team plans to respond.
“You go to the drawing board; honestly, you just go to the film. You see what you did. I’m sure there’s a lot of things that we can take care of,” Holiday said.
Despite the Game 1 setback, the Celtics are still considered the favorites to win the series, according to Polymarket Sports. Game 2 between the Knicks and Celtics is scheduled for Wednesday.
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