Former NBA player JR Smith shared a priceless, real-time reaction to his former team, the New York Knicks, coming up with a win against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the playoffs.
The former Knicks guard could be seen commenting through the screen, pleading with his team to lock in on defense in the last possession of the game. With the ball in the hands of Jayson Tatum, Smith had every reason to be nervous.
However, Knicks forward Mikal Bridges came up with a big-time defensive play at the end of the game to put an end to matters, and Smith couldn’t contain his excitement.
JR Smith reacts to the Knicks stunning the Celtics in Game 2 😭😭😭
(h/t @big_business_) pic.twitter.com/4bzDQ828cf
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 8, 2025
After watching the stunner in Game 2, the former Knicks guard promised to pay his respects to his old team and return to Madison Square Garden to watch Game 3. With New York taking a 2-0 lead in the series, Knicks fans everywhere will be flocking to see their team potentially sweep the Celtics at home.
The Knicks have become masters of the comeback as they pulled off yet another dramatic one to beat the Celtics 91–90 in Game 2. Having faced a 20-point deficit in the first half and down by 12 in the final quarter, New York was served by late-game heroics and hard-nosed defense yet again.
Josh Hart was the engine behind the Knicks’ success, finishing with a team-high 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. He knocked down timely shots and defended multiple positions. His relentless effort gave the team incredible momentum down the stretch.
The Knicks’ All-Star guard Jalen Brunson struggled for most of the night. Although he didn’t establish himself as an offensive threat in the first three quarters, he turned it on in the fourth, scoring nine of his 17 points in the final frame. These include two clutch free throws with 12.7 seconds remaining that gave New York the lead that would eventually see them through to the win.
The unsung hero of this series so far has been Bridges. The forward was silent through three quarters but erupted late, as he scored all 14 of his points in the fourth. His defensive mastery was put on full display as he came up with a steal on Tatum to complete the comeback effort.
Mikal Bridges scored 14 points in the fourth quarter + got the game-winning steal.
Unbelievable. Knicks up 2-0. https://t.co/NO2dXQ3wMZ pic.twitter.com/FCA472oYH7
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) May 8, 2025
Meanwhile, the Celtics unraveled when it mattered most once again. Despite the strong start to the game, Boston went scoreless for nearly six minutes in the fourth and missed 13 straight shots down the stretch.
Jayson Tatum had a night to forget, finishing with 13 points on 5-19 shooting. Although he had a solid 14 rebounds and five assists as well, he committed three costly turnovers, including a crucial one in the game’s final possession.
Boston’s lack of composure and execution in the final stretch of the game is a glaring concern heading into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks, now in the driver’s seat, have complete control of the series heading back home.
