Analysis: Knicks lead the Celtics 2-0 with steady defense and balanced offense

Knicks' defense is excellent under OG Anunobi, Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson, and offensively enough to deal with the Celtics. Another 90s-style basketball game was another 90s-style basketball game with the New York Knicks miraculously defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 2. The Knicks are currently leading 2-0, which may be insurmountable for the Celtics as they beat defending champion Celtics’ first two games away. More importantly, New York team reversed the victory from a 20-point downside in both games. Their success depends heavily on the defensive efforts of the team and individuals, and—we dare say—their depth of the lineup.

It is worth mentioning that the 2-0 lead is incredible. Historically, teams who won the first two away games usually have a record of 26-5 in a seven-inning four-win series. But Knicks fans only need to look back at the 1992-93 season to understand that a 2-0 lead is not always a sure win. Granted, the first two games of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals were home games, and at that time, Michael Jordan was not present. Even so, the Knicks still need to stay focused.

So, how should New York continue to put pressure on Boston? They must continue the essence of what they have so far, which is to strengthen the defense and share the burden of offense. The Knicks' defense dominated the second game

Micar Bridges, OG Anunobi and Mitchell Robinson finally formed the dangerous defense three that fans have dreamed of throughout the season. Together with the team, they led the defense team to successfully block the opponent's offense in the fourth quarter. But the importance of defense was best reflected in the last possession of the ball in the second game.

Jason Tatum was intercepted by Robinson near the Celtics three-point line. Tatum sensed the danger, turned around and avoided Robinson and ran to the other sideline. Anunobi rushed towards him. Tatum made a mistake and stopped dribbling and prepared to make a seemingly backward jump shot. Anunobi cut off Tatum's move. Tatum moves the pass. Bridges also quickly fell to the ground, blocking the ball, and eventually stealing the ball. The following tweet describes the process.

Tactics like this seem to be more common now than later in the regular season. This may be a sign of Robinson's health and Bridges' confidence. You know, Robinson returned from an ankle injury last playoff on February 28, and Bridges obviously just entered the Knicks' comfort zone. Both of these points bode well for the team.

The overall impact is far-reaching. Anunobi contributed four steals in the second game, Bridges grabbed three and Robinson grabbed three. The height, arms length and defensive talent they show are breathtaking when these three players play at the same time. This means that even helping smaller Jaylen Brunson is effortless as they are masters of rotation, steals and distractions.

Knicks' balanced offense caught the Celtics off guard

Ask New York only scored 91 points. This is enough, but it is still far from the NBA's score in recent years. Despite this, Carl Anthony Towns scored 21 points and 17 rebounds, Brunson scored 17 points, including 4 points in the last minute, Bridges contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds, and Josh Hart scored 23 points on 3-pointers from 6 shots.

This balance is unique. But it’s even more exciting when everyone takes on the burden of scoring. Towns led the game at the beginning, winning 14 of the 21 points in the game in the first half. This is absolutely necessary because other players are not scoring enough. Bridges' performance was synchronized with the team's counterattack. He scored all 14 points in the fourth quarter, and this was a critical moment for the New York Knicks to turn the situation around, with his scores being relatively evenly distributed throughout the quarter. Hart also contributed 11 points in the fourth quarter. Then there is Brunson, who secured the victory at the last moment.

Ultimately, there are other factors at work. Christapus Porzins did not play any role. The Boston Celtics made another 10-of-40 three-pointer, performing poorly. Tatum had little effect. But the truth is, the defending champion shouldn't have failed like this, and the Knicks are currently leading 2-0. It doesn't matter how the result is. But in this series, the situation has turned around and if New York wins the third game, the Boston Celtics will be in a very bad situation.