Introduction
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have reunited two of the most storied franchises in the league, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. The 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals have produced a thrilling series that has offered everything imaginable: dramatic comebacks, record numbers, edge-of-your-seat intensity. With each passing game, this classic rivalry is revisiting the biggest stage in basketball.
Series Schedule
The Celtics and Knicks are engaged in a best-of-seven series. The schedule is as follows:
NBA Schedule
- Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM PDT
- Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 04:30 PM PDT
- New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT
- Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 05:00 PM PDT
- New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 05:00 PM PDT
Game 1: Celtics Going Off on Banner Night.
Date: October 22, 2024
Location: TD Garden, Boston
Final Score: Boston Celtics 132, New York Knicks 109
The Celtics started their new season by celebrating their 18th NBA Championship with the raising of the banner. In front of a screaming home crowd, Jayson Tatum had 37 points, while the team made an astounding 29 three-pointers, matching the all-time game record for a team. Their unbelievable shooting started off the series on a positive note, but clearly the Celtics showed that they were an elite-level offensive team.
Game 2: Knicks Come Back to Even the Series.
Date: May 6, 2025
Location: TD Garden, Boston
Final Score: New York Knicks 91, Boston Celtics 90
In a spectacular game, the Knicks were able to come back from a 20-point deficit to win by a single point. Mikal Bridges scored all 14 of his points in the 4th quarter! The Celtics never were quite able to erase their terrible end-of-game play. Tatum made a critical turnover in the final seconds of the game, leading the Knicks to tie up the series.
Game 3: Knicks Grab Series Lead
Date: May 8, 2025
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
Final Score: New York Knicks 95, Boston Celtics 89
After heading back to New York, the Knicks could hardly be happier that they took a win and now lead the series 2-1. Jalen Brunson was key to the Knicks success with good shooting down the stretch and decent leadership. Conversely, the Celtics could never get going offensively, and the Knicks made sure Boston did not return to the game with their defense.
Game 4: Celtics Counterpunch
Date: May 10, 2025
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
Final Score: Boston Celtics 110, New York Knicks 102
On the verge of falling down 3-1 in the series, the Celtics refused to curl up and die. In a great showing, Jaylen Brown led the way with 28 points and the Celtics found a rhythm offensively while their defense suffocated the Knicks. Boston’s win evened the series and set the stage for a pivotal Game 5.
Game 5: Celtics regain series lead
Date: May 12, 2025
Location: TD Garden, Boston
Final Score: Boston Celtics 105, New York Knicks 98
The Celtics came home where the energy helped fuel their success. Tatum and Brown scored a combined 50 points, while the defensive effort forced late turnovers from New York. With the win the Celtics move the series to 3-2.
Game 6: Knicks force Game 7
Date: May 14, 2025
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
Final Score: New York Knicks 112, Boston Celtics 107
The Knicks were under pressure as they had to win to remain in the playoffs. They did just that, led by Brunson’s 30 points and a great defensive effort in the 4th quarter. The series returns to Boston for a deciding Game 7.
Game 7: Winner moves on to play for the Eastern Conference Championship
Date: May 16, 2025
Location: TD Garden, Boston
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Both teams are in a win-or-go-home situation with the series tied at 3-3. The Celtics are looking to take advantage of their home court ground and the Knicks are looking to complete the comeback and move on to the Eastern Conference Championship.
Key Players to Keep an Eye On
• Jayson Tatum (Celtics): With an average of 28.5 points per game through three games in the series, Tatum’s ability to put the ball in the basket and lead will be necessary for Boston’s success.
• Jaylen Brown (Celtics): Brown gives Boston a dependable second option on offense each game. His ability to get to the rim as well as make shots from outside is essential to keep defenses from collapsing the paint.
• Jalen Brunson (Knicks): Brunson has played the role of floor general for the Knicks. His continued playmaking ability and scoring will carry New York to victory.
• Mikal Bridges (Knicks): Bridges has been the best defensive player in the series, but he has been able to score when his team needs it most over the course of the series.
Statistical Takeaways
• Three-Point Shooting: The Celtics’ 29 three-pointers hit in Game 1 tied the NBA playoff record. This record broke the pace for their offensive philosophy for the entire series.
• Comebacks: The Knicks showed their resilience when they came back from down 20 in Game 2 to win.
• Defensive Adjustments: There have been some pretty big defensive changes between each game from each team. Most notably, the ebb and flow of scoring for both the Celtics and Knicks, when they’ve taken a lead, who holds it, and who can time their runs better from that point moving forward.
Conclusion
The Celtics vs. Knicks playoff series of 2025 has epitomized the essence of the NBA playoffs: competitive intensity, tactical adjustments, and unforgettable performances. As Game 7 draws near, fans are on pins and needles waiting to see which team will claim victory and continue their championship pursuit.
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