New York Knicks look to press advantage as the Boston Celtics search for shooting stroke

BOSTON – The Boston Celtics have their backs against the wall when they host the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 7 (May 8, Singapore time).

After the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit in the third quarter to win Game 1 108-105 in overtime on May 5, the Celtics will try to avoid an 0-2 series hole before the scene shifts to New York for Game 3.

“This team is special,” New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns said. “Obviously (the Celtics are) the defending champions and they’re gonna come back hungrier and we need to play the next game at a higher level.”

Celtics starting centre Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 points per game during the regular season, did not play in the second half of Game 1. He returned to the locker room shortly after coming out for the second half with what the team called a non-Covid-19 illness.

Porzingis missed eight straight games in March because of a viral illness.

They may not have to miss Porzingis for long, as the injury report on May 6 listed him as probable for Game 2. But Sam Hauser (right ankle sprain) is doubtful.

“KP is big for us,” Boston’s Jrue Holiday said. “Obviously so versatile, (a) person who can either play in the paint or stretch the floor. Protects the rim, protects the paint, blocks shots and we definitely miss him, but we’ve always had this next-man-up mentality.”

The Celtics were 15 of 60 from three-point range in Game 1. The 45 missed three-pointers were the most in an NBA play-off game.

Jayson Tatum was four of 15 from deep, Jaylen Brown was one of 10 and Derrick White finished five of 16. Boston missed 13 of their 15 three-point attempts