New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team after their dramatic 91-90 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night. The victory, which came after another comeback from a 20-point deficit, gave the Knicks a commanding 2-0 series lead.
When asked about his team’s resilience, Thibodeau emphasized the importance of mental toughness. “You got to keep fighting,” he said. “Every possession matters. You have to play all 48 minutes.” Despite a slow start and a significant hole to climb out of, Thibodeau’s squad stepped up, with key contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, particularly in the final stretch.
Thibodeau was also asked about the growing trend in the playoffs of road teams stealing victories. “The way the game goes now, you can make up ground a lot quicker,” he explained, referencing the fast-paced nature of modern basketball and the impact of three-point shooting. He stressed the unpredictable nature of the game, especially in the playoffs, where leads are never safe.
One of the pivotal moments came in the final seconds when Mikal Bridges forced a crucial turnover from Jayson Tatum to seal the game. Thibodeau reflected on the defensive effort, saying, “There was good team defense. Tatum is so tough when he’s downhill, so you need bodies in front of him.”
When discussing the character of his team, Thibodeau highlighted the Knicks’ ability to come back from large deficits. “You always have to believe in each other,” he noted. He also credited the team’s perseverance through adversity, from Mitchell Robinson’s earlier injury to Jalen Brunson’s struggles during the season.
Bridges’ clutch play in the fourth quarter, where he scored 14 points, caught the attention of the coach. Thibodeau praised the guard’s consistency, adding, “He just finds ways to help us win. If your shot’s not dropping, play great defense, move without the ball, and push the ball up the floor.”
Thibodeau also praised the contributions of Miles Bridges and Robinson off the bench, both of whom helped spark a critical run in the fourth quarter. “They provided a spark and got us going,” said the coach. “Once we got it inside 10, we always have the belief we can win.”
The Knicks now head back home to Madison Square Garden with a chance to take a 3-0 series lead.
