The New York Knicks are rewriting expectations in the 2025 NBA playoffs. Facing the favored Boston Celtics, the Knicks stunned everyone by rallying from 20-point deficits twice in Boston. Those improbable victories earned them vital breathing room—until Saturday’s crushing Game 3 defeat at Madison Square Garden erased their margin for error.
Now, everything hinges on Game 4. A win puts New York on the brink of their first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years. A loss hands momentum back to Boston. With their backs against the wall, the Knicks’ response will define whether they’re truly contenders or merely underdogs whose Cinderella run has finally run out of magic.
Battling Adversity: The Playoff Rollercoaster
A Pattern of Struggle and Resilience
New York’s playoff journey has epitomized struggle and resilience. Remarkably, in all six postseason wins, the team trailed in the fourth quarter. Victories never came easy—each was earned by grinding through intense late-game scenarios. Though the Knicks have been nearly unbeatable on the road, boasting a perfect 5-0 away record, their performance at home has been troubling. They’ve won just once in four playoff matchups at Madison Square Garden, an alarming paradox given the home-court advantage they fought to secure. Such inconsistency underscores the fragility of their current lead over the Celtics—and raises serious concerns about their ability to sustain a run to the NBA Finals.
Early Deficits Becoming a Costly Habit
The Knicks’ habit of trailing early compounds these difficulties. In each of the three contests against Boston, New York has fallen behind by at least 20 points. Constantly chasing the game, they’ve led for only 12 minutes and 16 seconds in this series compared to trailing for a staggering 128 minutes and 17 seconds. While miraculous comebacks were thrilling in Boston, Game 3 showed clearly that relying on improbable turnarounds is unsustainable.
Thibodeau’s Call for Resilience
Monday’s critical game presents a pivotal opportunity for the Knicks to correct course. Coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged this, emphasizing the volatile nature of playoff basketball, stating, “The playoffs are going to challenge you in a lot of different ways. You can get knocked down. You’ve got to get back up. Got to keep fighting.” Thibodeau’s message highlights the mental toughness his team must demonstrate now more than ever.
Starting Strong: The Key to Turning the Tide
Urgency for a Strong Start
If the Knicks are serious about reaching their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, starting fast must become their immediate priority. The primary unit’s struggles have significantly hindered New York. Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks’ starting five has posted a concerning minus-7.0 NET rating—meaning opponents outscore them by seven points every 100 possessions when they’re on the floor.
Stark Numbers Against Boston
The situation against Boston has been particularly dire, with the starters posting an astonishing minus-20.7 NET rating over 68 combined minutes in this series alone.
Josh Hart Calls Out Team’s Approach
Forward Josh Hart pinpointed the root of the issue clearly, criticizing his team’s lackluster openings. “We haven’t done a good job imposing our will into the game from the jump,” Hart explained. His critique extends beyond Game 3; this same sluggishness appeared previously against Detroit, where leads evaporated early after halftime.
The Consequences of Inaction
Hart’s insight reveals an underlying urgency to drastically improve the starting group’s intensity. Without substantial adjustments, these slow starts could end the Knicks’ playoff dreams prematurely.
Defensive Urgency: Closing the Celtics’ Outside Attack
Perimeter Defense Under Scrutiny
Another pressing concern revolves around perimeter defense. Boston torched the Knicks from beyond the arc in Game 3, sinking 20-of-40 three-point attempts. While Boston’s improved accuracy after missing 75-of-100 attempts in Games 1 and 2 was somewhat predictable, New York’s defensive complacency compounded the damage.
Uncontested Looks and Defensive Breakdowns
Far too often, Celtics shooters enjoyed uncontested shots—most notably guard Payton Pritchard, who consistently capitalized on defensive breakdowns. According to the latest NBA betting insights, many expected Boston’s outside shooting to bounce back, but New York’s defensive lapses made the recovery even easier.
Pick-and-Roll Struggles
The Knicks’ pick-and-roll coverage proved especially inadequate, often leaving shooters open due to slow defensive rotations and miscommunications. Allowing Boston to establish rhythm early was a critical error, one the Knicks simply can’t afford to repeat.
Defensive Adjustments Are Crucial
Preventing another Celtics shooting barrage hinges on tighter defense at the perimeter and increased awareness from everyone on the floor.
Rediscovering Offensive Rhythm: Brunson and Anunoby’s Crucial Roles
Offensive Consistency Needed from Key Players
The offense also demands immediate attention, particularly from key players struggling to maintain consistency. Jalen Brunson, a pivotal figure in the Knicks’ playoff successes thus far, must rebound quickly after his slow start in Game 3.
Brunson’s Role in Offensive Rhythm
Brunson’s ability to control pace, find open teammates, and efficiently score could determine Monday’s outcome. When he falters, the offense stagnates—a vulnerability Boston exploited effectively.
Anunoby’s Scoring Must Return
Additionally, forward OG Anunoby must rediscover his offensive impact. After contributing only seven points combined in Games 2 and 3, his scoring drought significantly diminishes New York’s offensive depth.
Hart’s Impact Cannot Be Missing
With Boston keenly aware of Anunoby’s recent struggles, he must regain confidence and aggressively seek scoring opportunities early in Game 4. Likewise, Josh Hart’s off night during Game 3 cannot repeat itself, as his energy and scoring prowess provide critical sparks the Knicks desperately need.
A Defining Moment Awaits
Despite the challenges, perspective remains crucial for New York. Just a week ago, few expected them to lead Boston 2-1. Coach Thibodeau’s pragmatic approach emphasizes embracing the present rather than dwelling on past mistakes. Hart also stressed that urgency comes from within, and the players will be ready when it matters.
The stakes are clear: win Game 4, and the Knicks move closer to overcoming decades of playoff disappointment. Lose, and Boston regains momentum, leaving New York on the brink. With their resilience proven, the Knicks now face a pivotal moment—Monday’s game will determine whether their rise is a lasting revival or a fleeting moment.
