PG: DO YOU BELIEVE NOW?

[Jeff Van Gully]

So....

Where's tomorrow's game thread?

i'm about to have to send a carrier pigeon or something. wtf bro.

[Polk377]

he has no lift, he cant move, he gets faked out, he cant block, its insanity lol.....top 2 reasons we are up 2-0

Nope....athleticism is not what it was pre injury , correct. But he's as effective as ever. How do I know? Just ask Mazzula why he is scared to see Mitch on the floor. Celts can't drive to the lane, and he allows his teammates to be way more aggressive on defense....and this is causing the Celts to have fits on offense.

Do you think its just a coincidence that the games have been close since Mitch came back? Its not my fault the media pretends like a Mitchless Knicks team is who we are.

Yes, he makes that much of a difference....Mitch is our MVP.

Mitch will get that athleticism back by next season.

Mitch's knees might be older than yours at this point Wingo....

[thebuzzardman]

My first message in the PG thread after game 1 I said Thibs should put Mitch in the game the beginning of every quarter, even at the start of the second half, so he gets on the floor when him getting fouled doesn't cost as much.

He still should do it, I don't think Hart would be upset if Mitch is on the floor to start the second half or even start the game in his place if it means they have a better chance to win the series, he's not ego petty like that. Not minimize his minute load or role, just the distribution.

Just give him some Ike and Mike on the bench like he's a kid and he'll be happy.

Also...in Mitch's draft year I wanted the Knicks to take him with one of the second rounders which they eventually did, the draft threads will attest. I saw his defensive instincts and skills that were apparent even in HS, knew they translated to the NBA so were worth the late pick.

There is also a 'sense' that him and OG have on defense that is special, I could call it defensive proprioception...this is the explanation of proprioception:
"Proprioception, often referred to as the "sixth sense," encompasses the body's innate ability to sense its position, movement, and spatial orientation."

They both have this innate ability to be in the right position on defense that maximizes their impact on as much of the floor as possible. With those two, their impact covers huge swaths of the court both on ball or in help defense.

Add in some other players who have that similar ability like Mikal and Deuce, now the defense can be a menace. On the other hand players like R***** and KAT seem to be terrible in this 'sense' and they require to be surrounded by better defensive players to cover for them.

Unlike a player like Brunson who also has great defensive proprioception, though his physical stature limits his ability to D up at this level but he makes up for it for his defensive proprioception and overall level of basketball IQ.

I know Mitch and OG give me defensive priapism.

[stuporman]

My first message in the PG thread after game 1 I said Thibs should put Mitch in the game the beginning of every quarter, even at the start of the second half, so he gets on the floor when him getting fouled doesn't cost as much.

He still should do it, I don't think Hart would be upset if Mitch is on the floor to start the second half or even start the game in his place if it means they have a better chance to win the series, he's not ego petty like that. Not minimize his minute load or role, just the distribution.

Just give him some Ike and Mike on the bench like he's a kid and he'll be happy.

Also...in Mitch's draft year I wanted the Knicks to take him with one of the second rounders which they eventually did, the draft threads will attest. I saw his defensive instincts and skills that were apparent even in HS, knew they translated to the NBA so were worth the late pick.

There is also a 'sense' that him and OG have on defense that is special, I could call it defensive proprioception...this is the explanation of proprioception:
"Proprioception, often referred to as the "sixth sense," encompasses the body's innate ability to sense its position, movement, and spatial orientation."

They both have this innate ability to be in the right position on defense that maximizes their impact on as much of the floor as possible. With those two, their impact covers huge swaths of the court both on ball or in help defense.

Add in some other players who have that similar ability like Mikal and Deuce, now the defense can be a menace. On the other hand players like R***** and KAT seem to be terrible in this 'sense' and they require to be surrounded by better defensive players to cover for them.

Unlike a player like Brunson who also has great defensive proprioception, though his physical stature limits his ability to D up at this level but he makes up for it for his defensive proprioception and overall level of basketball IQ.

I know Mitch and OG give me defensive priapism.

I set you up perfectly for that one...did you even once say thank you?

[stuporman]

Nope....athleticism is not what it was pre injury , correct. But he's as effective as ever. How do I know? Just ask Mazzula why he is scared to see Mitch on the floor. Celts can't drive to the lane, and he allows his teammates to be way more aggressive on defense....and this is causing the Celts to have fits on offense.

Do you think its just a coincidence that the games have been close since Mitch came back? Its not my fault the media pretends like a Mitchless Knicks team is who we are.

Yes, he makes that much of a difference....Mitch is our MVP.

Mitch will get that athleticism back by next season.

Mitch's knees might be older than yours at this point Wingo....

You might need to go back into your hidey hole and find some new troll material...it's not his knees...it's the ankles.

[nykballa2k4]

this series will be done Monday night man, they look defeated, the defense was so well played that last play he had nowhere to go and through it away. Let the celtic homers tell you how the celtics are losing because of the celtics, no bro, you are losing because we are just as good and more tough mentally. Knicks in 4, Stick that in your pack and smoke it.

You mean this shot:

Read on Twitter

FCCCCCCK D WHITE, might be the Celtics I most dislike, man is a glorified 6th man

You can hate him all you want, but you know he'd be a favorite if he was wearing our uni

[stuporman]

How many coaches have been fired after a game against the Knicks the past few years? It seems like it's been at least a few...if the Knicks win this series who is the new coach for the Celtics next season? A retread like Malone or a newbie?

I'm also so tired of hearing about Tatum mishandling of the ball on that last defensive stop as if that's why he didn't get to the rim and score on the play without anyone acknowledging the reason why OG wasn't as quick to step up was because Horford fouling him by holding his arm.

[nykballa2k4]

How many coaches have been fired after a game against the Knicks the past few years? It seems like it's been at least a few...if the Knicks win this series who is the new coach for the Celtics next season? A retread like Malone or a newbie?

I'm also so tired of hearing about Tatum mishandling of the ball on that last defensive stop as if that's why he didn't get to the rim and score on the play without anyone acknowledging the reason why OG wasn't as quick to step up was because Horford fouling him by holding his arm.

If Celtics got Mike Malone we'd be in trouble.

[LFGK]

You mean this shot:

Read on Twitter

FCCCCCCK D WHITE, might be the Celtics I most dislike, man is a glorified 6th man

You can hate him all you want, but you know he'd be a favorite if he was wearing our uni

Thank god he isn't I can not stand that guy at all...he def thinks he's the best player on the Celtic roster

[GettinitDone]

How many coaches have been fired after a game against the Knicks the past few years? It seems like it's been at least a few...if the Knicks win this series who is the new coach for the Celtics next season? A retread like Malone or a newbie?

I'm also so tired of hearing about Tatum mishandling of the ball on that last defensive stop as if that's why he didn't get to the rim and score on the play without anyone acknowledging the reason why OG wasn't as quick to step up was because Horford fouling him by holding his arm.

I think they will keep Mazz because he's still young, and also even if they win a chip this year, they are still expected to make major moves to address their salary cap issue... and they could be in a semi rebuild... no reason to fire and bring in a new coach as they won't be expected to make another run

---

Read on Twitter

Watch C fans disintegrate

[stuporman]

How many coaches have been fired after a game against the Knicks the past few years? It seems like it's been at least a few...if the Knicks win this series who is the new coach for the Celtics next season? A retread like Malone or a newbie?

I'm also so tired of hearing about Tatum mishandling of the ball on that last defensive stop as if that's why he didn't get to the rim and score on the play without anyone acknowledging the reason why OG wasn't as quick to step up was because Horford fouling him by holding his arm.

I think they will keep Mazz because he's still young, and also even if they win a chip this year, they are still expected to make major moves to address their salary cap issue... and they could be in a semi rebuild... no reason to fire and bring in a new coach as they won't be expected to make another run

---

Read on Twitter

Watch C fans disintegrate

Yea, they got cap issues to deal with which will churn their roster by next season regardless but if they lose to the Knicks in this series I don't know how the coach avoids getting axed.

I have been enjoying watching the Celtics fans meltdown videos because we've got the extra day and I don't know if we'll get another chance to watch them...I still have some BFS lingering.

[stuporman]

How many coaches have been fired after a game against the Knicks the past few years? It seems like it's been at least a few...if the Knicks win this series who is the new coach for the Celtics next season? A retread like Malone or a newbie?

I'm also so tired of hearing about Tatum mishandling of the ball on that last defensive stop as if that's why he didn't get to the rim and score on the play without anyone acknowledging the reason why OG wasn't as quick to step up was because Horford fouling him by holding his arm.

If Celtics got Mike Malone we'd be in trouble.

What is Malone's coaching record without having Jokic? Not saying he's a bad coach but he's greatly benefitted from having one of the best offensive big men in league history. Although, that might make him a good fit for an established team with stars set in place like the Celtics.

Jenkins might be a pretty good candidate, too, he gets alot out of the talent. There are a couple of retreads that I think would be terrible fits but knowing Stevens, he'd probably go with a relatively unknown assistant.

[NYKnickerbocker]

As a fellow baldy, there’s just something about Derrick white and his bald head that pisses me off lmao

[Polk377]

Mitch will get that athleticism back by next season.

Mitch's knees might be older than yours at this point Wingo....

You might need to go back into your hidey hole and find some new troll material...it's not his knees...it's the ankles.

This is you right now.....have some self respect

[Zenzibar]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘It’s my own fault. I gotta get back to what I know’

If you cannot wait for Game 3, you’re not alone. Shout-out the new ‘Nova Pope!


The Knicks are trending up.

The Celtics are trending down.

Here’s what Coach Thibs and many other folks (not the Pope) have said in the past few hours.

"Guys made a lot of tough plays. They were at their best when their best was needed down the stretch."

- Tom Thibodeau pic.twitter.com/j4w7bo7xUw

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025
Tom Thibodeau
On Mitchell Robinson’s role and in-game decision-making:

“He has a great impact when he’s on the floor. The fouls can get us into the bonus earlier, so we can take advantage of it that way. It also allows us to set our defense so there is some advantages to that as well. When you look at points per possession, that’s what you are looking at.

“You have to make decisions based on what’s going on in the game, how well is he shooting them and things of that nature and then are you going to sub?”

On Boston’s shot quality:

“It’s hard to say, I want to look at the film, look at the quality of their shots. They have a style of play, I think they do a terrific job, they’re strong on both sides of the ball. You give them open shots, they’re going to make them. You give them a second crack at it, they’re going to make you pay.”

On Josh Hart’s offensive value and taking advantage of double-teams:

“He’s worked a lot on his shooting. You leave him open, he’s not hesitating. Just let it fly. I think that’s huge for us, particularly when they overcommit, you gotta trust the pass, trust each other, trust your teammates and you’re going to have an advantage on the backside. Anytime you put two on the ball, there’s advantages in another area.

“Karl gets double-teamed all the time. Jalen gets double-teamed all the time, so just trust each other, make the right play and usually the second pass against the blitz or the double-team in the post gets you a high quality shot.”

On Josh Hart’s skill set and toolkit:

“I think you saw a variety of the way he scored. The transition and the takes are his strengths and he plays a lot bigger than his size, so the rebounding and also the finishing ability inside.”

On OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges’ impact and their defensive versatility:

“I think a premium is put on long wings in the league. And versatility. So guys that can guard two, three, four and even point guards, as well. We obviously felt that they were good players and they could make us better. And I think the length at that position, the wing position, is huge. You’re asking guys, particularly the five out, to get in protect the paint and also to get out and cover the line. And then when the ball gets shot, to also rebound. So I think the length is very important. And just having the versatility to play the two, three and four, but it also allows you to do a lot more switching.”

On Mitchell Robinson’s defensive discipline:

“He’s got great feet and anticipation. Not only his defense, but he’s very disciplined — learning how to become the second jumper. I think all those things helped eliminate the reckless fouls. He’s a hard guy to score over. Even if you score over him, it’s going to be a tough shot. I think he’s learned that. He doesn’t back down and more and those cheap fouls are gone.”

"When you're not making shots, you've got to find ways to impact the game in a positive way"

Josh Hart talks about impacting the game with rebounds and momentum plays: pic.twitter.com/yQf9qcvYqx

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025
Josh Hart
On hack-a-Mitch situations and defensive value:

“If they’re going to do that, let them do that. We’ll get stops. He’s so important to us defensively. Even if he makes one out of two, if we get five stops in a row and they foul him five times in a row and he makes five free throws, then we’re a plus-5. We got faith in him on both sides of the court.”

[url]On the Celtics falling apart and defensive approach:[/url]

“To be realistic, that doesn’t come to mind. Our biggest thing is, especially when you’re going on a run, is ‘all right, let’s get a stop.’ We get a stop, ‘let’s get another stop.’ We got guys that can score the ball. We’re down that much, we’re thinking about ‘let’s get this down to a one-possession game towards the end of the game.’ I feel like our defensive intensity picked up in the fourth quarter. Now we have to learn from it and Saturday, put together a full game.”

[url]On the Knicks still seeking consistency:[/url]

“I don’t think we even know what we’re capable of. We have to continue to build. We have to continue to put together a full game. I think that’s something that we haven’t done during the course of these playoffs. We get leads. We surrender leads. We come back from big leads. We’ve got to figure out a complete game and that can answer some of those questions. But for us, it’s just about continuing to get better and figure out how to put together a 48-minute game.”

On OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges:

“I think it’s been huge. Give OG a tremendous amount of credit, played huge for us last game, really carried us offensively last game along with [Jalen Brunson]. And ‘Kal, you really can’t say enough about his toughness and grit and mentality. He had 14 points, I think he went into the fourth with no points. And fourth quarter he made huge plays for us offensively to keep us in the game. Defensively, he has the ability to change the whole course of a game. You give him credit, even when his shots not falling he’s making huge plays.”

"That makes me feel like I'm a threat. ... I'm just saying, you trying to get me out the game, why y'all want me out the game?"

Mitchell Robinson on being 'flattered' by the fact that the Celtics are intentionally fouling him

(via @sny_knicks)
pic.twitter.com/68UHeZewAe https://t.co/Y27qUZ7vVK

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 8, 2025
Mitchell Robinson
On his playoff free throw struggles:

“It’s my own fault. I gotta get back to what I know. When I came back, I was knocking ‘em down, then started to get away from it. Just gotta lock in.”

"No matter what happens, we're going to be together as a team. We're going to have each other's back regardless."

- Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/r7XaA2ou8X

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025
Jalen Brunson
On his relationship with Thibodeau:

“I was always thinking about the NBA, since I was a kid. But my relationship with [Thibodeau] was primarily my dad and his relationship. When I saw him, he always said what’s up, always had words of wisdom to say. It was always about working hard and being prepared and all the stuff you hear now. And so, being young and hearing that and coming here and seeing that he’s the same person, it’s all about the hard work you put into stuff. What makes you prepare to be successful, I feel like I heard that all the time. So when I hear it now, I know what he’s about. Our relationship, it’s great because I got to see him from afar. And I knew him. And being a player in his system I feel like I have a little advantage just knowing his mindset. I would say we have a good relationship. It could be better. It’s on his part though.”

On Bridges’ adjustment period:

“It’s always a transition period. In the world we live in now — not even just basketball, but the world — you want everything now. Everything is accessible as soon as possible, so when you come to a new team or when you join something new, they want results right away. It takes time for things to develop and things to gel.”

On team unity:

“It’s all about the process and the journey of it all. Just making sure we’re going through things together.”

OG Anunoby
On the Knicks’ inconsistency and confidence:

“I think we haven’t played as well as we can. We don’t want to be playing from behind, being down, coming back. We would rather be up. But that’s been the situation we’re in. [We’re] confident.”

[url]On team mentality after Game 2:[/url]

“[We were] just excited, happy we won. But we still have to go back, watch the film and get better because I don’t think we played as well as we can.”

"Just a hell of a job with Mitch and OG guarding pick and roll"

Mikal Bridges talks about the Knicks' final defensive stop of the game: pic.twitter.com/PLDH56NLzI

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025
Mikal Bridges
On team trust and confidence during comebacks:

“I think we’re just confident, confident knowing we’re just always gonna find a way. A lot of us sitting on the bench while we’re down just like, ‘We’ve been here before.’ … You can look in everybody’s eyes and it’s kinda not a stressed look. It’s kinda like a confident look, knowing ‘Alright, let’s see how much time is left and just take it one play at a time.’”

On support from teammates and coaches:

“It’s really, truly been them just holding me together and keeping me mentally right and just telling me to keep going. And I think coach [Tom Thibodeau] also is just trusting me — coming out in the fourth, running a play for me, putting that confidence in me. But man, it’s really my teammates and my coaches, man. They really held me up.”

"It's only right that for all the talk people have done about Mikal, it's when the lights are the brightest that he gets to show his worth."

Karl-Anthony Towns talks about Mikal Bridges' game-winning stop: pic.twitter.com/St0ospFfjT

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns
On Bridges’ playoff emergence:

“It’s only right that all talk that people have done about Mikal, when the lights are the brightest, he gets to show his work.”

On Mitchell Robinson:

“Isn’t Mitch just the coolest guy in the world? Mitch is so cool. I need a truck like his.”

Joe Mazzulla on being down 0-2:

"We have to go into Saturday's game and win the game. That's just the way it is. We have to win. We have to win. We have to do what it takes to win. We have to put ourselves in position to do that." pic.twitter.com/8OzbZ8Lw4O

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) May 8, 2025
Joe Mazzulla
On Tatum’s accountability and team responsibility:

“I appreciate the fact that he would [take ownership of the losses], but I think it’s on everybody. We all could be better. I could be better in the things that I can help our team execute, our entire team could be better. And yeah, he can too. So, just as he is taking responsibility for that, I expect him to be better.”

Jayson Tatum on his struggles this series:

“I take full ownership on how I’ve played in this series … I need to be better, I expect to be a lot better#celtics #nba pic.twitter.com/hUqHbcnSnQ

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) May 8, 2025
Jayson Tatum
On personal accountability:

“I take full ownership of the way that I’ve played in this series. I can’t sugarcoat anything. I need to be better. And I expect to be a lot better.”

On the final play in Game 2:

“I just made the wrong read. Went into a crowded area. Obviously, if I had that opportunity again, or the next time it presented itself, it’d have a different outcome.”

Jaylen Brown on IG: pic.twitter.com/rR5nXP4fUF

— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) May 8, 2025
Jaylen Brown
On the Celtics’ resolve:

“We’ve got a great group that has stayed together through it all. So these are the moments where we need to show our resiliency, we need to show our mental toughness because we can get back in this thing, no question.”

"There's a possibility this team is not gonna come back... If they don't get out of this series, I don't know how you can justify spending $500 million on that roster."


Brian Windhorst on the Celtics roster going into 2026 ️

(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/FUoEDe9808

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 8, 2025
Brian Windhorst
On Boston’s collapses and Knicks’ poise:

“They [Celtics] don’t really understand, they can’t really put their finger on what happened. They’re a little bit shell-shocked because these leads have just melted away from them.”

“Down the stretch of this game, the Knicks were the most poised team. When I went to the Knicks locker-room, one of the things that they were talking about was just how comfortable they are in that position…”

“Normally, you would be the underdog and you’d be down on the road and you’d be panicking. It’s the inverse. I’m not sure it’s going to continue, but it’s a situation and a feeling I’ve not seen before.”


Kendrick Perkins says the Celtics are ‘done’

"The Celtics are done. They're not coming back in this series. ... The Celtics will be lucky to get one game."

( @GetUpESPN )

pic.twitter.com/0xCOb0dMvv

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 8, 2025
Kendrick Perkins
On the MSG crowd and Celtics’ outlook:

“Do you realize how rocking the Madison Square Garden is gonna be? The Celtics are done. They’re not coming back in this series. I have all the trust and faith in the New York Knicks.”

“The Celtics would be lucky to get one game.”

On legacy pressure for Boston’s stars:

“You were up 20 points twice at the crib and blew it. Yes, this is a legacy-defining moment for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.l¹

[stuporman]

Mitch's knees might be older than yours at this point Wingo....

You might need to go back into your hidey hole and find some new troll material...it's not his knees...it's the ankles.

This is you right now.....have some self respect

Not surprising you dream of such things but does Jesus know about this?

[Clyde_Style]

I don't think we struggled against Detroit- I think Detroit was that good defensively. And I think the same thing is happening to Boston fans and media members that think Boston is struggling against the Knicks when they shouldn't be. Defense rattles a players game. The Knicks are the reason for Boston's struggles. It's not because the great Boston is "missing too many open shots".

yep, we're giving them the business and they don't like it

That part is exactly it, This team was put together to beat boston and ppl laughed because of the reg season. Knicks just..........might be a bad matchup? better? I mean I dont get why its laughed at, the knicks starting 5 is prob the best in the game McBride/Mitch are a good 6-7 with the latter being such an absolute monster on the defensive end that the opposing coach is trying to foul him send him to the line(and miss badly) so we are forced to bench him. People need to wake up, This Knicks team is really good.

I've always believed in the collective talent of the roster which is why I wanted a different coach, because they are better than they were in the regular season and were consistently underachieving.

However, they are awakening now and Thibs is coaching better this series than last series so I can live with the coach as long as they continue to strive to play up to their potential which is still much higher than they are showing at present.

Call me a talent optimist and a coach pessimist who is willing to give the coach a pass if they continue to achieve.

[RHODEY]

he has no lift, he cant move, he gets faked out, he cant block, its insanity lol.....top 2 reasons we are up 2-0

Nope....athleticism is not what it was pre injury , correct. But he's as effective as ever. How do I know? Just ask Mazzula why he is scared to see Mitch on the floor. Celts can't drive to the lane, and he allows his teammates to be way more aggressive on defense....and this is causing the Celts to have fits on offense.

Do you think its just a coincidence that the games have been close since Mitch came back? Its not my fault the media pretends like a Mitchless Knicks team is who we are.

Yes, he makes that much of a difference....Mitch is our MVP.

Mitch will get that athleticism back by next season.

I could see that..but even if it doesnt happen, this version of Mitch is awesome anyway.

[Clyde_Style]

Speaking of OG, Anne Hathaway and an assortment of other baddies probably will be in attendance tomorrow. 30 point game incoming, you heard it here first. Get your parlays in now and thank me tomorrow

i need to see the lineup before i drop cash.

also, anne and suni were both at detroit game 5, weren't they?

fun fact: that said, that was our first game after we lost fall back baby. we haven't lost since. hmmm.

Dick Barnett is our guardian angel watching over us

Let's win him a chip

[Jeff Van Gully]

Nope....athleticism is not what it was pre injury , correct. But he's as effective as ever. How do I know? Just ask Mazzula why he is scared to see Mitch on the floor. Celts can't drive to the lane, and he allows his teammates to be way more aggressive on defense....and this is causing the Celts to have fits on offense.

Do you think its just a coincidence that the games have been close since Mitch came back? Its not my fault the media pretends like a Mitchless Knicks team is who we are.

Yes, he makes that much of a difference....Mitch is our MVP.

Mitch will get that athleticism back by next season.

I could see that..but even if it doesnt happen, this version of Mitch is awesome anyway.

current state is athletic enough for him to be the best nba player possible. they put him in the weight room and made him dominant on the glass and quick and talented enough to defend the perimeter. it’s beautiful and we don’t deserve him.