Pressure on Celtics as Series Moves to MSG

With the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks tied 2-2 in their playoff series, all eyes are on Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for the next two games.

After dominating the regular-season matchups, winning all four games, the Celtics have faced a reality check in the playoffs. Despite injuries to key players like Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, they’ve blown 20-point leads in both games at the TD Garden, thanks to the Knicks’ clutch performances led by Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

Celtics’ Shooting Struggles Persist

Through the first two games, the Celtics have shot a dismal 35.6% from the field and 25% from three. Their path to redemption lies in improving these percentages, particularly from beyond the arc, which has been a significant part of their success.

“We’ve been shooting too many contested shots and not valuing the ball enough,” said Mazzulla after Game 4. “We have to be better, especially from the three-point line.”

The Coach’s Plan

With limited time to adjust, Mazzulla is unlikely to dramatically change the Celtics’ game plan. Instead, he’ll focus on tweaking small aspects to improve shooting efficiency and defensive intensity.

The Knicks’ coach, Tom Thibodeau, is also expected to maintain his tried-and-true tactics, relying on his team’s resilience and ability to close games.

Up Next: Game 5

The stage is set for an exciting Game 5 on Tuesday, April 13, at 9:30 PM ET, airing on Sky Sport NBA, with Alessandro Mamoli and Matteo Soragna on commentary.

FAQs

Why have the Celtics struggled to close out games?

The Celtics have struggled with shooting consistency and turning over the ball too much in late-game situations.

What’s next for the Knicks if they win the series?

If the Knicks advance, they’ll face the winner of the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks series in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Pro Tip

– Focus on orbital movement and off-ball screening to help Celtics players find open shots and take advantage of Knicks’ defensive tendencies.