The Boston Celtics were riding high after a dominant first-round playoff win over the Orlando Magic, clinching the series four games to one. With momentum and championship aspirations on their side, fans expected a strong showing in the second round.
But on May 5, those hopes were temporarily dashed in a stunning 108-105 overtime loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1, a game the Celtics once had firmly in their grip. Now, with the pressure mounting, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has shared his strategy for Game 2, and it’s not what most expected.
Joe Mazzulla’s Plan of Not Making Drastic Changes
Rather than shaking things up or making drastic changes to the game plan, Mazzulla is opting for a more measured approach to trust the existing process.
“In a close game,” Mazzulla told reporters. “In overtime in the playoffs at home, when you lose, it’s very easy to — for lack of a better term — create spiders and come up with 10, 12, things that you need to do better. But the hardest thing to do is the simplest thing to do, and it starts there tomorrow.”
The Celtics looked like the superior team for much of Game 1. They came out aggressive, moved the ball well, and clamped down defensively. By halftime, Boston had built a commanding 16-point lead, putting the Knicks on their heels.
But as the second half unfolded, the intensity slipped. Defensive lapses, missed opportunities, and a surging Knicks squad turned the tide. New York clawed its way back, outscoring the Celtics in the fourth quarter and forcing overtime. In the extra period, it was the Knicks who executed better down the stretch, eventually pulling off the three-point win.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the charge, each scoring 23 points. However, their efforts were not enough to drive the Celtics to a win. The reigning NBA champions will look to even the series in Game 2, and though the strategy may not be revolutionary, the emphasis on trust, execution, and resilience could be exactly what they need.
A Celtics Player Believes That They Will Come Back Stronger
While the Celtics may have dropped Game 1, it’s important to remember that it’s just the beginning of the series. In the NBA playoffs, momentum can shift quickly, and one game doesn’t define a team’s future.
That’s exactly the mindset Celtics guard Derrick White echoed during the postgame press conference after Game 1. He made it clear that the team isn’t discouraged by the early setback and is ready to bounce back.
Derrick White admits Boston Celtics never expected an easy series vs. New York pic.twitter.com/R7z59QNQl1
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 7, 2025
“It’s the playoffs,” White said. “We didn’t expect it to be easy, and just think we’re gonna sweep every time. So you never really know what to expect with a playoff series. Obviously, you want to get Game 1, but it’s time to move on to the next day and learn where you can get better. And, a big one coming up tomorrow.”
Despite the loss, White was a bright spot for Boston. He delivered an impressive performance with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 44 minutes on Monday. With Game 2 set for tonight, May 7, against the Knicks, the Celtics will need White’s consistency and leadership to help turn things around.
