New York Knicks lose to the Boston Celtics 127-102, now lead 3-2 in ECSF: Letting up against a desperate opponent

The New York Knicks lost to the Boston Celtics 127-102, failing to close out the second round and bring their series lead down to 3-2. 

The first half stayed competitive, with both teams trading blows, sometimes literally. Josh Hart left the floor bleeding and scuffled with Jaylen Brown on a separate occasion. The teams fought for every point, with neither team able to gain a decided advantage.

The third quarter changed everything. Jalen Brunson picked up five fouls in the quarter, and Boston spent nearly ten minutes in the bonus. Both Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns left the game with foul trouble, and the Knicks’ offense floundered with Luke Kornet blocking everything around the rim.

The Celtics took a fifteen-point lead into the fourth quarter, and any hopes for a comeback faded once Brunson fouled out with more than seven minutes to go. 

The Knicks didn’t look prepared for an opponent whose back was against the wall. Boston played with desperation and dominated the second half. Let’s look at the action through the performances.