Kristaps Porzingis is facing a challenging postseason after a strong regular season, where he averaged 19.5 points. In the first round against the Orlando Magic, he managed only 12.0 points per game, a worrying trend for the Boston Celtics as they head into their semifinals against the New York Knicks. An illness has severely limited his playing time to just 13.4 minutes per game, compounding the team's difficulties as they trail 0-2 in the series.

Despite these setbacks, Porzingis has been cleared to play for Game 3, a welcome boost for the Celtics. He previously averaged 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists against the Knicks during the regular season, showcasing his potential to turn things around. His performance will be crucial as Boston seeks to overcome a tough frontcourt challenge posed by New York's Karl-Anthony Towns.

Jayson Tatum has openly acknowledged his underwhelming performance in the playoff series against the New York Knicks, taking full responsibility for his struggles. He has shot just 29% and only managed to hit 25% of his three-point attempts across the first two games. Tatum emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence despite the team's collective shooting slump, which has seen the Celtics convert only 25% of their three-pointers. Both he and Jaylen Brown have been particularly ineffective in clutch moments, contributing to the team’s disappointing fourth-quarter performances.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla reinforced the necessity for Tatum and the Celtics to remain aggressive, insisting that they cannot afford to lose confidence. Mazzulla also addressed the health concerns surrounding Kristaps Porzingis, who has struggled with illness and energy issues throughout the series. With Game 3 looming, the Celtics are seeking to bounce back and regain their shooting rhythm.

In a shocking turn in the NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics now find themselves in a 0-2 hole against the New York Knicks after two thrilling games where the Knicks overcame 20-point deficits in both. Kristaps Porzingis, Celtics forward, expressed that while the odds may now favor the Knicks, being the underdogs could alleviate pressure for Boston. He emphasized the importance of their next games.

Current betting lines reveal an interesting split: while some sportsbooks favor the Knicks, others still see the Celtics as potential winners of the series. Porzingis’ health has been a concern, as he has played limited minutes due to illness and recorded just eight points in Game 2.

The Boston Celtics, once favored to dominate the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, find themselves in dire straits after losing the first two games. A heartbreaking 91-90 defeat in Game 2 followed a narrow 108-105 overtime loss in Game 1, both games marred by their inability to maintain crucial leads. What was expected to be a straightforward path to the Finals has turned into a desperate battle to salvage their season.

Key to their struggles has been Kristaps Porzingis, whose recent illness has limited his effectiveness, leaving him with only eight points and four rebounds in Game 2. As the Celtics face growing criticism from their fanbase, Porzingis' comments downplaying the pressure of being down 2-0 have sparked backlash. Fans are questioning the team's mentality as they prepare for a pivotal Game 3, which could determine their championship aspirations.

After a harrowing 91-90 loss to the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a precarious position, trailing 0-2 in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Celtics have allowed the Knicks to mount staggering comebacks from 20-point deficits in both games, raising questions about their mental toughness. Head coach Joe Mazzulla cited execution issues as a major factor, particularly highlighting a crucial moment where Jayson Tatum failed to take a shot on the final possession. Despite holding a 99% win probability at one stage, the Celtics faltered down the stretch, turning the ball over and losing their commanding lead.

The Knicks, driven by the stellar performance of Jalen Brunson and a resurgent Mitchell Robinson, remain undaunted, displaying relentless energy and composure. Brunson, named the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year, made critical shots when it mattered most. Kristaps Porziņģis, who played well but couldn't secure the win, emphasized that the pressure is now off the Celtics, as they have nothing left to lose. As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, the Celtics must regroup quickly to avoid a disastrous 0-3 hole—one they have experienced before against the Miami Heat in last year's playoffs.