The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered one of the most unexpected twists in recent basketball history. The New York Knicks, long considered underdogs in their second-round Eastern Conference matchup, now hold a shocking 2-0 lead over the heavily favored Boston Celtics.
Let’s break down why this moment is so historic, what changed from the regular season, and how the Knicks flipped the narrative. Read more news in the best betting platform OKBet.
Heading into this playoff series, the Celtics had every reason to feel confident. In their four regular-season meetings, Boston not only beat New York they dominated them:
| Date | Home Court Advantage | Score |
| Oct 22, 2024 | Boston | Celtics 132, Knicks 109 |
| Feb 8, 2025 | New York | Celtics 131, Knicks 104 |
| Feb 23, 2025 | Boston | Celtics 118, Knicks 105 |
| Apr 8, 2025 | New York | Celtics 119, Knicks 117 |
They won all four games, with an average margin of 16.3 points. That’s not just winning that’s owning a matchup.
So how did things go so wrong for Boston in the playoffs?
In a high-energy overtime battle, New York came out swinging. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 29 points, while OG Anunoby matched his output with 29 of his own. The Knicks’ physicality and tenacity surprised even the most optimistic fans.
On the Celtics’ side, Jayson Tatum posted a strong double-double with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added another 23 points, but their efforts weren’t enough.
Knicks take Game 1 in OT. The crowd erupts. The Celtics look stunned.
Another nail-biter. The Knicks clawed out a win by just one point. It was a defensive showcase, and New York proved it could win gritty, low-scoring battles too. Despite Kristaps Porziņģis being listed as probable due to illness, his absence in the second half of Game 1 and limited impact in Game 2 seemed to tilt the scales.
FINAL SEQUENCE OF CELTICS-KNICKS GAME 2.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 8, 2025
KNICKS COMPLETE BACK-TO-BACK 20-PT COMEBACK WINS TO LEAD SERIES 2-0 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OTYNfefsw0
Prior to the series, an ESPN expert panel of 14 analysts had made their picks. Thirteen of them chose Boston. Only one Ohm Youngmisuk believed in New York.
| Expert | Prediction |
| 13 Experts | Celtics in 5-7 |
| 1 Expert | Knicks in 7 |
So far, Youngmisuk looks like a genius.
The Celtics, ranked top-five in both offensive and defensive efficiency, seemed like a lock. But in the playoffs, numbers can lie. The Knicks are rewriting the script.
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Jalen Brunson isn’t just showing up he’s taking over. He’s averaging 31.1 points and 7.7 assists this postseason, proving he's not just a supporting player, but a playoff leader.
OG has quietly become the most impactful two-way player for New York. His 29-point explosion in Game 1, plus his hustle on defense, shows why the Knicks went all-in to get him.
Unlike in the regular season, the Knicks are showing composure under pressure. They're rotating faster, switching smarter, and holding Boston under 100 points in Game 2 something few teams managed this year.
Porziņģis missed crucial minutes in Game 1 and was limited in Game 2. Without his rim protection and floor spacing, Boston’s offense has been less dynamic.
Despite solid stats, Tatum and Brown haven’t dominated late-game moments. Whether it’s fatigue, pressure, or the Knicks’ swarming defense, they haven’t had that takeover quarter Boston fans are used to.
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Before Game 1, most sportsbooks including OKBet had the Celtics as clear favorites to win the series, often listed at -400 or better.
Now, the tide has shifted. New York’s odds to win the series have shortened dramatically. Bettors who backed the Knicks early are sitting on major value, while new bets on Boston come at much better odds but with higher risk.
Hot Tip for OKBet Users: Keep an eye on Game 3 odds. If the Knicks win again, a sweep might not be fantasy anymore.
As the series shifts to Boston for Game 3 on May 10, 2025, betting platforms are adjusting their odds to reflect the Knicks' surprising lead. While specific odds for Game 3 are yet to be released, it's anticipated that the Celtics will be slight favorites, given their home-court advantage and regular-season performance.
For bettors looking to place wagers, OKBet offers a comprehensive platform with competitive odds and a user-friendly interface. Keep an eye on player prop bets, especially concerning Jalen Brunson and Jayson Tatum, as their performances will be pivotal in the upcoming games.
Absolutely but the window is closing.
A 2-0 hole isn’t a death sentence, but history isn't on Boston's side. According to NBA stats, teams down 2-0 in a best-of-seven series come back only 7.1% of the time.
Still, with their talent and playoff experience, Boston can’t be counted out just yet.
The Knicks have shocked the basketball world with their 2-0 lead over the Celtics. It’s a reminder that the playoffs are a different beast, and past performance doesn’t always predict future results. With Game 3 looming, the momentum and the pressure is squarely on Boston.
For live updates, betting odds, and playoff coverage, follow the action on place your bets smartly on OKBet.
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The Celtics swept the Knicks 4-0 in the regular season.
Boston was a strong favorite with a dominant regular-season record, yet the Knicks have flipped the narrative.
Jalen Brunson has been spectacular, averaging over 31 points per game this postseason.
He’s listed as probable but hasn’t been at full strength since Game 1.
Odds have swung toward the Knicks after their 2-0 lead. Check OKBet for live updates.
Game 3 is expected to take place on May 10, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET.
