Celtics Fall 0-2 to Knicks After Historic 3-Point Struggles

The Boston Celtics have suffered back-to-back losses to the New York Knicks after blowing double-digit leads in both games, primarily due to poor shooting and a reliance on three-pointers that have consistently failed, with the team shooting just 25% from beyond the arc in both contests. Charles Barkley criticized the Celtics for their excessive three-point attempts, especially in Game 1 where they set an NBA record for most missed threes, and urged them to adopt a more balanced offense with more shots inside the paint and mid-range attempts. Despite a slight reduction in three-point attempts in Game 2, the Celtics’ shooting woes persisted, and star Jayson Tatum underperformed significantly compared to his previous playoff outings, averaging only 18 points on poor shooting percentages. The Knicks have capitalized on offensive rebounds and defensive pressure, enabling their dramatic comebacks and putting the Celtics on the brink of elimination. Analysts and commentators emphasize the need for the Celtics to regain confidence and adjust their offensive strategy, with a particular call for Tatum to return to his aggressive, inside-scoring form to help turn the series around as the games shift to Madison Square Garden. The Celtics’ coaching staff faces pressure to make strategic changes quickly, as the team’s season hinges on stopping their repeated collapses and improving execution under playoff pressure.