Celtics Trail Knicks 2-0 as Tatum Takes Playoff Struggles Ownership

The Boston Celtics, defending NBA champions, have fallen into a 2-0 series deficit against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after blowing 20-point leads in consecutive games. Jayson Tatum, the Celtics' star player, has struggled significantly, shooting poorly and failing to perform in clutch moments, including a critical missed opportunity on the final possession of Game 2. Tatum has publicly taken full responsibility for his underwhelming performance, acknowledging the need to improve and lead his team better moving forward. The Celtics as a whole have also struggled with shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, despite many open looks, which has contributed to their inability to maintain leads in the fourth quarter. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of setting aside pride and focusing on winning the next game to turn the series around. The series remains a challenge for Boston, with the Knicks capitalizing on their momentum and home-court advantage in the upcoming games.