The New York Knicks did it again — and this time, the world is paying attention.
In one of the most jaw-dropping turnarounds of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Josh Hart stepped up as the heart and soul of the Knicks, Driving the team to a dramatic 91-90 comeback victory over the top-ranked Boston Celtics on their home court at TD Garden. With this win, the Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, completely shifting the momentum in a matchup where few gave them a real chance.
Hart’s Grit Defines Knicks Basketball
Hart took center stage with 23 points, blending nonstop energy, smart decision-making, and clutch scoring in the final moments to secure the win. He may not be the showiest player on the court, but in this playoffs, he is becoming the most consistent. With Jalen Brunson tending to a sore foot early in the game, it was Hart who supplied the energy and scoring spark when needed most.
From sinking a clutch three-pointer with just over a minute left to snagging crucial rebounds, Hart personified the gritty, no-quit mentality that has become synonymous with Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks.
“We just believe in each other. It doesn’t matter if we’re down 20 or 2 — we fight,” Hart said in the postgame press conference (which was cut short by a surprise fire alarm evacuation at the arena).
Celtics Collapse Under Pressure
Despite holding a commanding 20-point advantage midway through the third quarter, the Celtics lost their rhythm in the closing moments, unable to maintain their composure. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were unable to get into a rhythm during crunch time, and Boston’s defense collapsed as the Knicks came back with sheer will.
This is the first time in the contemporary NBA playoff era (since 1996) that a team has come back to win consecutive games after being down by 20 or more points. Josh Hart has also been at the center of both comebacks.
Fire Alarm Ends Postgame Early
In a strange turn of events, the postgame interview between Hart and Brunson was interrupted by a fire alarm, with an evacuation at TD Garden. Later reports confirmed a small fire inside an elevator, though fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.
The off-court turmoil almost echoed the on-court excitement — a wild evening in Boston, capped off by yet another unforgettable Knicks playoff performance.
Analysis: Why Hart Is the X-Factor in This Series
What distinguishes Josh Hart from other role players is his tireless motor and playoff IQ. He doesn’t merely play hard — he plays smart. He understands when to cut when to shoot, when to crash the boards, and when to reset the offense.
More significantly, he’s emerged as the Knicks’ emotional leader. In high-pressure playoff settings, that’s usually the difference between a second-round exit and a deep run.
With Julius Randle being out for the season, the Knicks had to rise up and have someone step into that role. Josh Hart did just that.
What’s Next?
Game 3 moves to Madison Square Garden on Friday, and the Knicks faithful will be louder than ever before. With the series momentum firmly in New York’s hands, the onus is now on the Celtics to mount a response.
Will Josh Hart and the Knicks be able to keep their magical playoff run going?
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