The Celtics lost 75 three-pointers in two shots to create history, and the power outages in the last quarter have reached the edge of the cliff

On May 8, 2025, the defending champion Celtics suffered another defeat in the series against the Knicks, losing all the first two home games, trailing by a big score of 0-2. This news caused an uproar in the basketball circle. After all, as the defending champion, the Celtics' strength cannot be underestimated, but now it is really surprising that it is in such a dilemma. In these two games, the Celtics seemed to be trapped in a curse. In the first half of the game, they could still establish a lead of about 20 points based on their own offense and defense strength. But in the final quarter, they were like a "power cut off" and were counterattacked by the Knicks. At the last moment of the game, Brunson's key ball harvest and Bridges' defense made a contribution, allowing the Knicks to successfully reverse the game. The Celtics lost almost the same way in the two games, which made people start to think about what exactly caused the Celtics' current dilemma? The "disaster" of three-pointers

Celtics have always been a well-known "three-point arithmetic team" in the league. Three-pointers are their important offensive weapon and have won many victories in previous games with accurate three-pointers. However, in the first two games of the series, their three-pointers seemed to fail and fell into a disaster.

In the series G1, the Celtics made 15 of 60 three-pointers and missed 45 three-pointers to set a record; in the G2, the Celtics made 10 of 40 three-pointers, with a shooting percentage of only 25%. The total missed 75 three-pointers in two games, which is rare in the league. The large number of three-pointers directly led to a significant reduction in the Celtics' offensive firepower in the game. The leads built on three-pointers in the past seemed so fragile in the face of the sluggish three-pointer feel.

What caused the Celtics to miss the three-pointer? On the one hand, the Knicks' defensive strategy may play a key role. The Knicks are well aware of the power of the Celtics' three-pointers, so they focus on the Celtics' outside shooter group on the defensive end. By shrinking the defense line and double-teaming the ball player, they limit the space and opportunities of three-point shooting of Celtics players. When facing the Knicks' high-intensity defense, the Celtics players may have some psychological pressure, which will affect the shooting feel and hit rate.

On the other hand, there are also problems with the Celtics' own state adjustment. As defending champions, they were carrying huge expectations and pressure before the series started, and their mental state may be a little nervous during the game, which affected their performance outside the three-point line. Moreover, the team may also have some problems in the execution of three-point shooting tactics, such as insufficient coordination between players and insufficient clear tactical running position, which may lead to their lack of good opportunities and rhythm when shooting three-point shooting.

The fatal injury of "power outage" in the last quarter

In addition to poor three-point performance, the Celtics' scoring difficulties in the last quarter were also an important reason for their two consecutive losses. In the two games, the Celtics scored 16 and 17 points in the final quarter, which is obviously far from enough for a team that is determined to defend the title.

In the last quarter, why did the Celtics' offensive efficiency be so low? First of all, after the high-intensity game in the first three quarters, the Celtics players may have physically overdrawn. When physical fitness declines, the players' shooting percentage, breakthrough speed, defensive intensity, etc. will be affected, resulting in weak offense in the last quarter. Secondly, the Celtics may have problems with tactical arrangements and personnel adjustments in the final quarter. In the final quarter, the Knicks often make targeted defensive arrangements for the Celtics' tactics, and the Celtics may not be timely and effective in tactical response and cannot adjust their offensive strategies in time, resulting in an hindrance in offense.

Furthermore, in the final quarter, the Celtics may not have enough coordination. At critical moments, players may rely too much on personal abilities and ignore teamwork, which makes it difficult for them to form effective offensive firepower when facing the Knicks’ defense. At the same time, the Celtics' defensive intensity in the final quarter also decreased, which made it easier for the Knicks to score and further expand their lead, putting greater pressure on the Celtics' offense.

Hope and Challenge for Breakthroughs

Now, the Celtics have reached the edge of the cliff. Faced with a 0-2 backward situation, they must find a solution to the problem as soon as possible, otherwise the promotion situation will be in jeopardy.

To reverse the decline in subsequent games, the Celtics first need to make adjustments in their mentality. Players should put down their burdens and go lightly. They should not be affected by the losses in the first two games. They should believe in their strength and ability. At the same time, the team needs to strengthen internal communication and collaboration, enhance team cohesion, and jointly respond to difficult situations.

At the tactical level, the Celtics need to conduct in-depth research on the Knicks' defensive strategy and formulate more targeted offensive tactics, especially in the execution of three-pointers tactics. We must pay more attention to details and cooperation to create more high-quality three-pointers for players. In addition, the Celtics also need to make adjustments in physical training and personnel rotation to ensure that the players can maintain sufficient physical fitness and good condition in the final quarter.

For the Celtics, this dilemma is also an opportunity to grow. Only by not giving up when facing difficulties, actively finding solutions to problems, and constantly improving one's strength and level can we go further in the fierce playoff competition. Although the road ahead is long and there are many difficulties, I believe that with their experience and strength, the Celtics will be able to find a way to break through the difficulties and regain the style of the defending champion..

In short, the Celtics encountered a three-pointer "disaster" and a "power cut" in the last quarter in the first two games of the series, but they were not without a chance to turn the situation around. By deeply analyzing the problems and actively adjusting tactics and mentality, the Celtics are expected to achieve a counterattack in subsequent games and launch an attack on the championship again. Let's wait and see if the Celtics can complete their self-salvation in the next game and continue their brilliant chapter.