In an unexpected twist, the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, faced a humiliating exit from the playoffs, leaving fans wondering how this could happen.

In a must-win Game 6 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, the Celtics weren’t just defeated; they were completely dismantled. The game spiraled out of control early, leaving them trailing by a staggering 41 points late in the third quarter, ultimately succumbing to a devastating 119-81 loss.

Jaylen Brown, who fouled out during the third quarter, encapsulated the despair of the night: “Losing to the Knicks feels like death.” His statement reflects a sentiment echoing through the entire fanbase.

Initially, the Celtics had high hopes of defending their title, especially with the same roster that brought them victory the previous year. Throughout the season, they seemed poised to reclaim the championship, but various obstacles derailed their ambitions.

The absence of superstar Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4, was undoubtedly a massive blow for the team. Kristaps Porzingis' mysterious illness also did not help their cause.

What was even more alarming was the Celtics’ lack of urgency and purpose throughout the playoffs. They squandered multiple significant leads, including two 20-point advantages and another 14-point lead against the Knicks. In the high-stakes environment of Game 6, they simply vanished.

While the Celtics showed flashes of their potential in earlier games, they ultimately faltered against a Knicks team that was hungrier and more desperate. New York’s determination shone through, particularly coming back from down double-digits in the series.

Coaches and players alike recognized that the Celtics, despite impressive regular-season victories over the Knicks, were outplayed when it mattered the most. From missed three-pointers to turnovers, the team showed signs of disarray at critical moments.

Derrick White acknowledged the pressure of being the defending champions, noting, “You’ve got that target on your back from Day 1. This part sucks. Just wasn’t able to complete the goal we set out to get.” He's right—public expectations were high, and falling short stings.

The Celtics aren’t alone in their struggle; many previous champions like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks also stumbled in their title defenses. It’s a harsh reality of the NBA.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla stated, “At the end of the day, we set out a goal and didn’t achieve that goal. But this shouldn’t take away from the mindset and effort the players put in.” Still, he acknowledged that changes are on the horizon.

With a looming $280 million luxury tax bill and a hefty payroll, the clock is ticking on this roster. Tatum's injury raises questions about how soon he’ll be able to return, and the future of veteran Al Horford, who struggled at 38 years old, hangs in the balance.

Jrue Holiday’s performance also raises eyebrows; his abysmal 1-for-8 shooting in the clinching game is a stark contrast to last year’s explosive play. With a hefty price tag of $32.4 million for the upcoming season, he may be among those scrutinized as changes unfold.

The Celtics face a daunting offseason filled with questions about their strategy and roster composition. The playoff failures are a loud reminder that even the most promising teams can fall short when it matters most.

In a season that ended with a cacophony of cheers from the Knicks’ crowd chanting “Na Na Na Na, Hey, Hey, Hey, ... Goodbye,” the Celtics are left to reflect on what went wrong and where to go from here.

Porzingis himself lamented, “It was a tough way to end.” Indeed, this playoff run was not just an end, but a hard lesson for the once-mighty Celtics.