What's happened
On April 8, 2025, the New York Knicks lost to the Boston Celtics 119-117 in overtime, completing a regular-season sweep for Boston. Despite strong performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks struggled against top teams, leaving their playoff positioning uncertain.
What's behind the headline?
Performance Insights
- The Knicks have shown inconsistency against top teams, now 0-9 against the NBA's elite.
- Karl-Anthony Towns scored 34 points, but the team faltered in critical moments, particularly in overtime.
- Kristaps Porzingis, a former Knicks player, capitalized on defensive lapses, scoring 34 points, including crucial late-game shots.
Playoff Implications
- The loss leaves the Knicks with a magic number of one to secure the No. 3 seed, increasing pressure for their upcoming games.
- Their record against winning teams (12-20) raises concerns about their playoff readiness.
- The Celtics, locked into the No. 2 seed, continue to build momentum with 12 wins in their last 13 games.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, the Knicks' defeat was marked by a late-game collapse, allowing Jayson Tatum to tie the game with a 3-pointer. The Post highlights the Knicks' struggles against top teams, noting their 0-9 record against the league's best. In contrast, the South China Morning Post emphasizes the Celtics' strong shooting performance, setting a new record for three-pointers in a season. This juxtaposition illustrates the Knicks' challenges in maintaining competitiveness against elite opponents.
How we got here
The Knicks entered the game with a recent win against the Hawks but had struggled against teams over .500, losing seven of their last eight. Their playoff hopes hinge on securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, with Jalen Brunson returning from injury.
Go deeper
- What does this loss mean for the Knicks' playoff chances?
- How did Porzingis perform against his former team?
- What are the Knicks' next steps to secure a playoff spot?
Common question
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What Are the Knicks' Playoff Hopes After Their Win Against the Hawks?
The New York Knicks recently secured a significant victory over the Atlanta Hawks, raising questions about their playoff potential. With Jalen Brunson set to return from injury, fans are eager to understand how this will affect the team's dynamics and their chances in the postseason. Here are some key questions and insights regarding the Knicks' current performance and future outlook.
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What Does the Knicks' Loss to the Celtics Mean for Their Playoff Chances?
The New York Knicks faced a tough defeat against the Boston Celtics on April 8, 2025, losing 119-117 in overtime. This loss raises significant questions about their playoff positioning and overall performance against elite teams. Below, we explore the implications of this game for both the Knicks and the Celtics, as well as what it means for the NBA standings.
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