When the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks step onto the parquet for the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, it’s more than just a matchup—it’s a storied saga rekindled. The Celtics, holding down the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed with an impressive 61-21 record, face the scrappy No. 3 Knicks, who finished 51-31. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill playoff duel; it marks the 15th postseason clash between two of the original BAA franchises—a rivalry steeped in history, drama, and moments that have defined generations. The last time these titans crossed playoff swords was back in 2013, when Carmelo Anthony’s squad edged out a determined Celtics team led by legends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Fast forward to today, and both teams have evolved, yet the intensity and stakes remain sky-high.
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What we know about the Celtics
If he’s not aggressive and physical on the hedge, though … or if he’s a beat late recovering to his man on the closeout … or if the Celtics can exploit New York putting two defenders on the ball with a quick enough pass to create a 4-on-3 … or if New York’s low defenders aren’t on point with their rotations behind the play … then the Knicks could be in for a world of hurt:
The Knicks would have to wait more than three months for their chance at revenge … only to get absolutely destroyed, 131-104, by a Celtics team without Porziņġis or Holiday, thanks to a 40-point, seven-triple performance from Tatum.After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a right wrist injury in Game 1 that cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
After suffering a
right wrist injury in Game 1 that
cost him Game 2, Boston’s ace closed the series brilliantly, averaging 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over the
final three contests. The 27-year-old Tatum has a strong claim to being the most complete player in the NBA — an efficient three-level scorer; a composed offensive engine capable of creating great looks for others; an excellent multipositional defender equally adept at bodying up centers on the defensive glass and switching out onto jitterbug guards; and, with 117 postseason games, five Eastern Conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals and an NBA championship under his belt, one of the most seasoned playoff performers in the league.
If Towns sags back in drop coverage, and if the ball-handler’s defender doesn’t get over the screen, it’s an automatic pull-up 3, right in his eye. Even if the drop isn’t all that deep, if KAT’s not all the way up to the level with high hands and an active contest … it’s still an automatic pull-up, right in his eye.Advertisement
Series schedule (all times Eastern)
AdvertisementThe Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, the Boston Celtics (61-21), will take on the third-seeded New York Knicks (51-31) in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. This will mark the 15th (!) postseason meeting between two of the three charter franchises of the original Basketball Association of America; the most recent matchup was in 2013, when Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks eliminated the last-gasp Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce Celtics in the first round in six games.Boston’s pick-and-roll offense vs. Brunson and TownsRobinson’s an excellent interior and pick-and-roll defender who can dominate on the offensive glass, but his shaky hands in traffic and woeful free-throw shooting make him an offensive liability. Cameron Payne is a wild card capable of offering useful minutes as a ball-handler and complementary shooter, but he’s another small defender that Boston can prey on. Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, in theory, provide both a dose of shooting and more defensive aptitude in the backcourt; in practice, McBride has shot 37.3% from the field since the start of February, and Thibs’ trust in Shamet extended to a whopping 10 minutes over the final five games of the first round.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
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