The Boston Celtics' recent playoff defeat has sparked diverse reactions among fans and players alike. While some revel in the Celtics' misfortunes, Paul Pierce takes a unique approach, pledging to walk 15 miles in a bathrobe to emphasize his commitment following the team's loss to the New York Knicks. His former teammate, Kevin Garnett, humorously checks in on Pierce during his trek, encouraging him to persist as he walks in his robe. This light-hearted moment underscores the camaraderie and different coping strategies employed by players in the wake of defeat.

Rasheed Wallace reflects on the strategic defensive efforts of the 2004 Detroit Pistons that ultimately led to their victory against the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. With a team bolstered by Hall of Famers, the Lakers entered the series aiming for their fourth title in five years. However, despite Shaquille O'Neal's early scoring prowess, Detroit's collective effort to disrupt his rhythm proved pivotal.

Wallace underscored the importance of teamwork and physicality, citing that they didn't necessarily slow O'Neal down but made it difficult for him by utilizing their fouls wisely. This approach allowed the Pistons to dominate the pace of the games, leading to the Lakers failing to score 90 points in regulation throughout the series. O'Neal's inconsistent performance, particularly in key games, was a significant factor in Detroit's triumph, marking a historic upset in NBA Finals history.

The Atlanta Hawks are on the lookout for a new president of basketball operations following the dismissal of Landry Fields after a disappointing 2024-25 season. The search has seen interest in Elton Brand, general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, although he has since withdrawn from consideration. The Hawks ended their season with a 40-42 record, failing to advance past the Play-In Tournament after losses to the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.

Brand's departure from the running comes as he focuses on a crucial offseason for the 76ers, who also faced a postseason exit due to injuries to key players. The Hawks are considering a broad array of candidates, including former general manager Danny Ferry and current executives like Monte McNair and Calvin Booth. Ferry, who has ties to the franchise, is expected to interview for the role.

The Boston Celtics seek to level their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks after a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 1. Despite leading by 20 points, the Knicks rallied to claim a 108-105 victory, complicating Boston's path to victory. The Celtics, with a stellar season record of 61-21, will look to superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to lead the charge at TD Garden.

Tatum notched a double-double in Game 1, showcasing his scoring and rebounding prowess. Meanwhile, Brown continues to contribute significantly, averaging 23 points and seven rebounds in the playoffs. The Celtics enter Game 2 as 10.5-point favorites, eyeing a critical win to avoid falling into a 2-0 series deficit. On the other hand, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby shone for the Knicks, adding to the anticipation of a competitive matchup.

The New York Knicks showcased their resilience once again, overcoming a staggering 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108-105 in Game 1 of their playoff series. This marked the Knicks' fourth comeback victory in the postseason, and they executed a remarkable 31-11 run in the second half. The Celtics struggled with their shooting, failing to capitalize on numerous opportunities, particularly from beyond the arc, where they shot a mere 25%.

Despite a strong first half, the Celtics fell apart in the final moments, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for a dismal 20% from the three-point line. Meanwhile, Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby heated up, effectively leading their team to victory. The Celtics' inability to close out the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, raises concerns heading into Game 2.