Karl-Anthony Towns observes a revitalized Knicks franchise, a stark contrast to their past struggles. He emphasizes their commitment to New York City, aiming to make fans proud with every game. Jalen Brunson, the team's captain, acknowledges the responsibility of their success, yet maintains focus on the upcoming challenges. As they lead 2-0 against the Boston Celtics, Brunson understands that playoff victories are earned, not guaranteed. Coach Tom Thibodeau stresses the importance of execution over emotion as they prepare for a crucial Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks have struggled despite their playoff success on the road.

The New York Knicks have emerged as a formidable fourth-quarter team during the NBA Playoffs, successfully overcoming significant deficits. Against the Detroit Pistons, and now the Boston Celtics, the Knicks have displayed resilience, including two impressive 20-point comebacks, currently leading the series 2-0. Jalen Brunson, often the late-game hero, received crucial support from Mikal Bridges, who notably scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter to seal a recent victory.

Defensively, the Knicks have stifled the Celtics, limiting them to a mere 20% shooting from the floor in the fourth quarter of Game 2, including a stretch where Boston couldn't hit a single field goal for crucial minutes. Coach Tom Thibodeau's strategies, particularly in countering star Jaylen Brown, have proven effective, as evidenced by Brown's six turnovers. With contributions from Josh Hart and clutch performances from Bridges, the Knicks seem poised to continue their playoff success, potentially wrapping up the series swiftly.

The Boston Celtics have initiated their playoff series against the New York Knicks, marking their first matchup since 2013, when the Knicks prevailed. The Celtics also face familiar ground with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, a former assistant in Boston who played a pivotal role in their 2008 championship run. Thibodeau, known for his candid humor, remarked on the Celtics' past, joking about a so-called flaw in the franchise: Brian Scalabrine. Despite his past with the Celtics, Thibodeau has successfully guided the Knicks back to the playoffs, culminating in a series win last year.

The No. 3 New York Knicks faced a stunning setback in Game 5 of their playoff series against the No. 6 Detroit Pistons, losing 106-103 at Madison Square Garden. With the Knicks on the verge of closing out the series, the game saw dramatic twists, including injuries to key players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart during crucial moments. Coach Tom Thibodeau opted not to call a timeout in the final stretch, a decision that proved pivotal as the Knicks struggled to regain control.

Despite leading by 16 points early, the Knicks fell behind in the fourth quarter, unable to score in the closing minutes. Brunson, who earned the title of Clutch Player of the Year, was sidelined when it mattered most. The Pistons capitalized on this, trimming the Knicks' series lead to 3-2. With Game 6 looming, the Knicks must regroup and address their late-game execution to avoid a nerve-wracking Game 7.

Tom Thibodeau expressed his frustration after the New York Knicks fell to the Detroit Pistons 100-94, leveling their playoff series at 1-1. The coach highlighted a significant disparity in free-throw attempts, with the Pistons converting 28 of 34 compared to the Knicks' 16 of 19. This imbalance sparked Thibodeau's ire, as he called for more consistency from the referees, particularly regarding fouls on Jalen Brunson.

Cade Cunningham, who had struggled in Game 1, stepped up with an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, showcasing a notable increase in his free-throw attempts. Meanwhile, Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points, but the team's overall free-throw woes and reliance on a limited number of players for them could be a concern as the series progresses.