Knicks Upset Celtics in Early Playoff Drama
If you were expecting another Celtics walkover after their 4-0 sweep against the Knicks in the regular season, think again. The 2025 NBA Playoffs have thrown a curveball: The New York Knicks now have the upper hand, leading the Boston Celtics 2-0 in their second-round matchup. That’s a shock to just about everyone who followed Boston's dominant season performance.
The suspense began on May 5 with Game 1 in Cleveland—a neutral site thanks to an arena scheduling quirk. Both teams put up an epic fight, battling through all four quarters and into overtime. The Knicks snatched a 108-105 win to draw first blood, making everyone wonder if regular season stats really matter in the playoff pressure cooker.
Game 2, played just two days later on May 7, didn’t skimp on fireworks either. This one was closer and scrappier, with both teams trading buckets and defensive stops until the final possession. The Knicks edged out a gritty 91-90 victory, putting them in control of the series and flipping the script on Boston’s earlier dominance. Now, instead of cruising, the Celtics are fighting to avoid a deep playoff hole.
What’s Next in the Celtics vs. Knicks Series?
Game 3 lands on Saturday, May 10, with tipoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC—a prime afternoon slot to grab fans' attention. If you’ve been following the action, you’ll know that every possession, steal, and free throw suddenly counts twice as much. The energy is different in the playoffs, and this clash is delivering that in spades.
Broadcast duties are split among NBA Playoffs heavyweights TNT/Max, ESPN, and ABC, so nobody needs to miss a minute. The networks will rotate the action, giving fans easy access whether they’re on cable or streaming. So, checking which channel is covering the next game is worth the extra moment—it could be the difference between catching a buzzer-beater live or watching highlights after the fact.
Looking ahead, the schedule packs potential for more close games and highlight-reel moments through mid-May. If the series goes the distance, basketball fans are in for a treat with up to seven games packed with intensity. The pressure is truly on for Boston; dropping another game could push them to the brink of elimination, while New York is suddenly the team setting the pace, not chasing it.
There’s also a silver lining for Celtics fans: Jrue Holiday, the experienced Celtics guard, picked up the NBA Sportsmanship Award for the second time. That’s a rare achievement highlighting his solid leadership and reputation—even as his team faces unexpected playoff adversity.
Game by game, this series is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and entertaining matchups in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Every timeout and coaching decision could sway the outcome. So, set your reminders now and buckle up—the Celtics and Knicks are serving up top-tier playoff drama, and fans on both sides are feeling every second of it.
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