Knicks Secure Another Win Over Celtics thanks to Mikal Bridges' Game-Winning Theft, Advancing Series 2-0
Rewritten Article:
Boy, did the New York Knicks make a splash last July! They traded away a whopping four unprotected first round picks and three players to the Brooklyn Nets, snagging themselves a versatile 6-foot-6 wing player named Mikal Bridges. The Knicks were hell-bent on winning now, and they had faith that Bridges could be the cornerstone of their team.
Last Wednesday night, Bridges proved his worth, swiping the ball from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum with just three seconds left, securing the Knicks a 91-90 victory at the TD Garden in Boston. After missing his first eight shots, Bridges racked up all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, powering the Knicks to overcome a 20-point second half deficit for the second consecutive game. He even made a steal with a second left in overtime the previous Monday to seal the Knicks' 108-105 Game 1 victory.
Coach Tom Thibodeau, a fan of Bridges' steady demeanor, praised his player, saying, "He just keeps marching forward. He doesn't get too high, he doesn't get too low, but he's a great competitor. He just finds ways to help us win."
The Knicks, seeded third in the East, aren't relying solely on Bridges. Another player the Knicks traded for in the offseason, Karl-Anthony Towns, put up 21 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, Bridges' former teammates at Villanova, contributed 23 points and 17 points, respectively. Centre Mitchell Robinson, with a +19 contribution off the bench, also made some valuable impacts on both ends of the floor.
Brunson's jumper with 1 minute and 59 seconds left put the Knicks up 87-86, their first lead of the night. He also made a layup with 56.5 seconds remaining for a three-point lead, hitting two free throws to put the Knicks up 91-90 with 12.7 seconds left. The Celtics had a timeout remaining but didn't use it, trusting their players to decide the game on their own.
Tatum, dribbling upcourt, was met by Robinson near the 3-point line before driving to the middle. OG Anunoby and Bridges then doubled up on Tatum near the baseline, forcing a pass intended for Jaylen Brown, which Bridges intercepted and stole before dribbling once and flinging the ball skyward as time expired.
It was another frustrating finish for the Celtics, who led 84-68 with 8 minutes and 40 seconds left, only to miss their next 14 shots. They finally broke the streak when Tatum drove the length of the floor for a dunk and a late 90-89 lead. Despite poor shooting performances from Tatum and Brown, the Knicks managed to clinch the win.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon, the Knicks find themselves in a strong position. Historically, just five of the 35 road teams who win the first two games of a seven-game series end up losing the series. The Celtics, despite being the reigning NBA champions, have struggled when facing a 2-0 deficit, with a 2-16 record in such situations.
However, the Knicks shouldn't get cocky. They've faced adversity before, blowing a 2-0 lead against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year. They've also been 11-3 all-time after winning the first two games of a playoff series, but one of those times was last year against the Pacers.
The Knicks, having made it to the Conference finals only once since 2000, know better than most not to take anything for granted. Yet, with their consecutive comeback road victories, they should approach Game 3 with confidence, in front of a raucous home crowd.
(Enrichment Data: Mikal Bridges was acquired by the New York Knicks in a trade that involved a significant investment, with the Knicks sending away five first-round picks and three players to the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges has demonstrated his worth through his performances during the recent playoffs, particularly in high-pressure situations.)
- The New York Knicks' acquisition of Mikal Bridges, who demonstrated his worth in high-pressure situations like the recent playoffs, has played a significant role in their success, as evidenced by his game-winning steal in the NBA against the Boston Celtics.
- After securing their second consecutive road victory against the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks, who relied partly on their basketball star Mikal Bridges, now turn their attention to the NBA, as they aim to build on their success and continue their journey in the playoffs.
