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.