Knicks vs. Celtics Playoff Preview: Can New York Close the Gap?

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As the NBA Playoffs heat up, one of the most anticipated matchups in the East is the New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics. After a dominant 4–0 sweep by Boston in the regular season, Knicks fans are hoping for a major turnaround, but is that even realistic?

Catch the full breakdown on Harrison Talks Pod where we dive deeper into stats, matchups, and strategy.

Regular Season Recap: Celtics Dominated

The Celtics didn’t just win, they controlled the narrative. Boston swept the season series 4–0, with three double-digit victories that revealed a consistent pattern: the Knicks couldn't keep up on either end of the floor.

Key Regular Season Stats:

  • Boston FG%: Over 50% in all matchups

  • Knicks FG%: Varied from 42.2% to 55.1%

  • Tatum vs. Knicks: 33.5 PPG | 53.5% FG | 47.8% from 3

Jayson Tatum torched New York every time out, and the Knicks defense struggled to contain Boston’s motion offense and high-efficiency shooting.

Offensive Efficiency: Celtics Set the Standard

Boston’s ability to generate clean looks, both in halfcourt and transition, gave them a clear edge.

  • The Celtics shot over 36% from three in every game.

  • New York’s range wavered between 28.9–37.5%, showing inconsistent spacing.

  • Kristaps Porzingis averaged 24.5 PPG, exploiting defensive mismatches while stretching the floor.

Even when the Knicks shot well, Boston simply shot better.

Defensive Struggles for the Knicks

Defense was New York’s biggest concern:

  • Allowed 118+ points in 3 of 4 games

  • Struggled to contain the pick-and-roll

  • Couldn’t slow down Tatum, Brown, or Porzingis consistently

Despite strong efforts from Bridges and Anunoby, Boston’s depth and off-ball movement exposed every crack in the Knicks’ rotations.

Turnovers, Rebounding & Hustle Plays

The Knicks averaged 15–16 turnovers per game, a recipe for disaster against an elite team. They also lost the rebounding battle in key matchups, giving up second-chance points and transition buckets.

Even strong free-throw shooting (86%+) wasn’t enough to mask those issues.

Key Player Matchups to Watch

  • Jalen Brunson: The shining light for New York, averaging 26.8 PPG against Boston.

  • Karl-Anthony Towns: Needs more consistency and fewer fouls — he’s critical as a two-way threat.

  • Josh Hart: His 11% from 3PT vs. Boston lets defenders roam off him — often to help trap Brunson or clog the lane.

Boston’s defensive game plan often neutralized non-shooters, using players like Luke Kornet as free roamers to disrupt New York’s rhythm.

Celtics’ Defensive Blueprint

Boston plays slow, methodical, and suffocating defense.

  • Sag off non-shooters (Hart, Achiuwa)

  • Shrink the floor for Brunson and Towns

  • Rely on switchable length with defenders like Holiday, Hauser, Kornet

Their system forces rushed shots, eats up the shot clock, and punishes bad spacing.

What the Knicks Must Fix

For New York to be competitive, they’ll need:

  1. More offense from Bridges and Anunoby

  2. Smarter coaching adjustments, better sets and spacing

  3. Improved ball movement and fewer turnovers

  4. A locked-in Karl-Anthony Towns at both ends

They can’t rely on Brunson to carry the entire load.

Celtics’ Edge

  • Playoff-tested roster

  • Homecourt advantage

  • Three-headed monster: Tatum, Brown, Porzingis

  • Elite help defense and role-player depth

The Celtics are favored for a reason.

What’s your prediction? Drop a comment and let us know — and don’t forget to tune into Harrison Talks Pod for the full playoff breakdown.

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