The Boston Celtics are currently experiencing unexpected problems with the New York Knicks.
After dropping Game 1 with an embarrassing chalk job, Game 2 provided a similar story to the real-life NBA champions.
In an astonishing way, the Boston Celtics went 0-2 in the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference, absorbing a 91-90 heavy loss against the New York Knicks inside the TD Garden.
In the second straight game, the Celtics blew a 20-point lead as the Knicks scored another great comeback display.
After registering the 3-point misfire of Game 1, Boston was unable to snap a cold touch as it went 10-40 over the arc.
At Crunchtime, it was simply Mikal Bridges who provided the Celtics silencer as the Knicks Star’s ultimate defensive stop against Jason Tatum sealed New York’s victory and repeated plays against Jaylen Brown.
As the Marquee Series moves to New York City, turning their backs against the wall, the Celtics are eager to turn their fortunes around.
Unfortunately, however, in the wake of Tatum’s struggle and Brown’s perceived underperformance, Boston was unable to fully rely on Christapsporzingis’ production.
Even before the 7-Game Series began, there was high hopes for Porzingis, facing his previous Knicks team, where he spent his first three years in the NBA.
But for now, Porzingis is significantly limited as it deals with unexpected illnesses.
He left prematurely in Game 1 after 13 minutes of non-factor performance. In Game 2, he was able to provide many contributions with 8 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes from the bench.
After the game, Porzingis spoke to his frustration about his inconsistent playing time.
“Yeah, I’m dealing with ____, I don’t know how to call it, but I’m not trying my best at all,” he said in the postgame.
“What’s happening in this moment just kills me.
“I am particularly grateful for the support I have from the fans and within the organization.
“In this tough moment for me, I can’t be with everyone, and it’s not an injury or anything. Not only is it not me feeling my best, but honestly, it’s difficult for me.
“But who doesn’t care? No one feels sorry for us, sorry me, and we have to continue.”
This 2024-25 campaign marks Porzingis’ second year as a Celtic. After helping the franchise win the 18th championship last year, he missed the first part of the season following an ankle injury in the offseason.
He showed off toughness and grit when the Celtics fought Orlando’s magic at the previous first round of Slugfest. It’s really a shame that Star Big Man suddenly disappeared at this important point in the playoffs from another health issue.
Porzingis was forced to miss eight straight games from late February to early March, following a mysterious illness in the middle of the regular season.
“Maybe, perhaps,” Porzingis said when asked whether his current illness was associated to some degree with his previous illness.
“We had ups and downs up to this point, but now we have a big crash. My energy, my whole thing, wasn’t good.
“But who cares? It’s getting better from this point on, as I have to look forward to it.”
The Celtics can only hope that Porzingis will recover as quickly as possible, as they will apply a must-see approach and ultimately look to win against the Knicks.
