In a breathtaking display of resilience, the New York Knicks have done it again, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against the Boston Celtics. After trailing by 20 points in both Games 1 and 2, they pulled off another remarkable comeback, winning 92-91 to take a surprising 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This victory, achieved through sheer grit and teamwork, sends a resounding message to the defending NBA champions.

1. Déjà Vu: The Knicks Overcome a Slow Start

Once again, the Knicks found themselves sluggish at the beginning. They went scoreless on their first nine possessions and managed just four points with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Celtics held a commanding lead at 73-53 after 33 minutes, only for the Knicks to explode offensively with a staggering 38-17 run over the final period. Jalen Brunson sealed the win with crucial free throws in the dying seconds, showcasing the Knicks' tenacity.

2. Mikal Bridges: The Unsung Hero

Bridges was a game-changer in the fourth quarter. Despite starting the game cold, he tallied 14 points in the final stretch, outperforming the entire Celtics offense. His ability to take over when it mattered most — linking key plays and consistently beating defenders — transformed the game's momentum. Bridges proved that he was not just a defender, but a pivotal offensive weapon.

3. Josh Hart Emerges as a Scoring Threat

In a surprising twist, Josh Hart emerged as the game's leading scorer with 23 points. Often overlooked by the Celtics’ defense, Hart seized the opportunity by hitting key shots and creating plays. His presence on the court allowed the Knicks to exploit the Celtics’ defensive lapses, and his crucial offensive rebound led to a vital three-pointer that kept the Knicks in contention.

4. Porziņģis Struggles to Make an Impact

Despite his availability, Kristaps Porziņģis was noticeably absent in terms of impact on the floor. Limited to just under 14 minutes, he scored only eight points and was quickly subbed out after signaling distress. His inconsistent play adds to the pressure on the Celtics, who need him to be a more significant part of their game plan.

5. Celtics Face Unthinkable Setbacks

In a shocking statistic, the Celtics have become the first team in nearly three decades to lose two playoff games after leading by 20 points. This collapse goes against their strong playoff history, as last year they dominated each series without fear. Now facing an uphill battle, the pressure is mounting for Boston to reclaim their championship aspirations. As Jaylen Brown stated, it's time for the team to showcase their resilience and respond to the challenge.

As the series shifts to New York for Game 3 on Saturday, the Celtics find themselves at a crossroads. They must dig deep to find their championship mindset if they hope to turn the tide against the scrappy Knicks.