In the latest episode of Gills Arena, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the NBA playoffs, focusing on the significant performances and pivotal moments from recent games. The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics, with notable contributions from players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who have been key in their comeback victories. In contrast, the Celtics are facing criticism for their reliance on three-point shooting, which has led to heavy misses and poor performances from stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The hosts also analyze the Oklahoma City Thunder's historic blowout victory over the Denver Nuggets, emphasizing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's outstanding performance. The conversation touches on the pressure on teams like the Timberwolves and the Warriors, especially with Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring injury, highlighting the unpredictability and high stakes of playoff basketball.

A thrilling backdrop surrounds the Knicks as they prep for Game 3 against the Celtics, with David Lee reflecting on their tenacity in the first two games despite being underdogs. The Knicks have proven resilient, capitalizing on Boston's missed shots and showcasing strong performances at key moments. Lee highlights Jalen Brunson's emergence as a clutch player and inspiring leader, transforming skepticism over his signing into admiration.

Lee delves into Tom Thibodeau’s strategic impact, emphasizing the Knicks' gritty defense that prepared them for Boston. As they anticipate a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd, he believes energy and aggressive play will be crucial to maintaining their momentum. The series' stakes are high, and Lee asserts that success hinges on treating every game as vital, especially with Game 3 looming. Confidence is key, especially for players like Mikal Bridges who face immense pressure.

In an impressive display during the postseason, Mikal Bridges has silenced critics, especially Knicks fans, with his clutch performance, notably scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter of a recent game. His ability to maintain a consistent mindset, regardless of the game's circumstances, has been pivotal, aided by strong support from teammates.

Despite Jalen Brunson's struggles, the Knicks demonstrated resilience, winning even without their key players at full strength. The locker room exudes confidence, with players acknowledging their potential to elevate their game further. Mitchell Robinson's return has also been significant, as he proved crucial in tight situations, indicating the Knicks made a wise bet on his health.

Mitchell Robinson's recent performance has raised eyebrows, particularly concerning his free throw shooting, which dipped from a promising 60% to around 68% in limited play this season. The mental aspects of his game seem to be affecting his confidence, leading to speculation about Boston adopting a 'Hack-a-Mitchell' strategy to exploit his weaknesses. The Knicks' reliance on offensive rebounds has been a silver lining, contrasting with the struggles of key offensive players like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, especially in tight matchups against Boston.

Despite his declining offensive role, Robinson remains pivotal for the Knicks defensively, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. His presence on the court allows for more freedom for other players, although his overall involvement in the offense has waned. The Knicks' failure to employ a shooting coach may be contributing to this regression. As the playoffs progress, the Knicks will need to find a balance, leveraging Robinson's strengths while addressing his shooting challenges.

In a thrilling start to the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets pulled off an unexpected victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 121-119 thanks to a last-second three-pointer from Aaron Gordon. This win not only marked a significant series lead for Denver but also showcased their resilience after a tough Game 7 against the Clippers just two days prior. Nikola Jokic led the charge with an impressive 18 points in the fourth quarter, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.

The Denver Nuggets, despite facing injuries and recent turmoil in coaching, demonstrated their grit in a hostile environment, out-rebounding the Thunder significantly. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks shocked the Boston Celtics, erasing a 20-point deficit to clinch a 108-105 overtime win. Key performances from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby propelled the Knicks past a struggling Celtics team, which struggled with their shooting and defensive assignments.