Why Knicks will suffer tragic collapse, lose series versus Celtics

Are the New York Knicks on the verge of collapse?

The Knicks, despite gritty play from their Villanova core of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, are in a dangerous position to lose Games 6 and 7 of this series, squandering their 3-1 series lead in heartbreaking fashion. 

On Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics looked wholly inspired by Jayson Tatum’s injury, having unlocked a dynamic, unpredictable style of play that the Knicks simply weren’t able to counter.

Tatum’s absence has forced Boston to reinvent themselves. Without their star, the Celtics have embraced an egalitarian offense that leans on Jaylen Brown’s slashing, Derrick White’s sharpshooting, and Al Horford’s veteran savvy. 

Meanwhile, New York’s overreliance on Jalen Brunson is starting to weigh heavily.

In Game 5, Boston’s ball movement shredded the Knicks’ defense, generating 27 assists and 22 three-pointers. The Knicks, built for slow, physical grind-it-out basketball, struggle to keep up with this frenetic pace.

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There’s also the psychological element to consider. The Celtics are playing with a nothing-to-lose mentality. Tatum’s injury stripped away expectations, allowing role players to step up fearlessly. Boston’s bench, led by Payton Pritchard’s spark and Luke Kornet’s masterclass, outscored the Knicks’ bench 40-22 on Wednesday. 

Boston’s liberated mindset contrasts sharply with the Knicks, who carry the crushing burden of a city desperate for a title. 

Brunson, despite his heroics, looks gassed.

In Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, Boston’s newfound versatility could once again overwhelm a tense Knicks squad. Game 7 in Boston, with the TD Garden roaring, would then set the stage for a New York tragedy as the Celtics’ fearless, adaptive style buries the Knicks.

Such a result would haunt Knicks fans for years. 

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