For the first time in over a decade, the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics will face off in the postseason, with Game 1 tipping off tonight in Boston. The historic rivalry stands even at 2–2 in playoff series from 1988 to 2013, and both teams now aim to tip the scales.
Here’s how players and coaches are approaching what’s expected to be a gritty and cerebral series.
Coach Tom Thibodeau: “Maximum concentration, maximum effort”
Thibodeau emphasized the Celtics’ depth and shooting power, noting the team’s ability to stretch defenses with multiple threats.
“That’s the challenge. They’ve got a lot of weapons. You take it play by play. Focus on the task at hand. It’s us against everybody.”
He praised Mitchell Robinson’s return and rim protection:
“Mitch gives us rebounding, versatility, and the ability to switch on pick and rolls. That’s huge.”
On defending the glass:
“Their bigs are active, and they crash from behind. Our guards need to be aware and cover the long rebounds.”
Thibs also acknowledged the Celtics’ effective bench:
“Pritchard had a terrific season. Hauser, Kornet—shooters everywhere. They usually have five guys who can hit threes.”
He addressed bench struggles, especially Deuce McBride’s inconsistencies:
“It’s not on one guy. It’s about how the group functions. Our bench has been productive all season. Just bounce back.”
Jalen Brunson: “No one believes in us—let’s go do it”
The Knicks’ floor general is using the underdog narrative as motivation:
“I like when people doubt us. It makes preparing easier. We know who we are.”
On the challenge of defending Boston’s shooting:
“Keep bodies on bodies. Contest everything. Be ready for long rebounds—those second-chance looks hurt.”
Brunson noted the team showed growth in their final regular season matchup against Boston:
“We adjusted in Game 4. Still didn’t win, but we competed better. That’s something to build on.”
Josh Hart: “If you’re not confident, you shouldn’t be out there”
Hart doesn’t care about public perception:
“We’re counted out? Good. That means we play free. We don’t pay attention to outsiders.”
On the 0–4 regular season record against Boston:
“Different series. Playoffs are a different game. What matters is now.”
On the Celtics’ shooting and playoff intensity:
“Every possession matters. They’ve got shooters everywhere. We have to know the personnel and stick to the game plan.”
Hart also highlighted the team’s internal confidence:
“We all believe in each other. Confidence is high. It’s about execution, physicality, and mental toughness now.”
Mikal Bridges: “Hart gets us going”
Bridges praised Hart’s energy and selflessness:
“He makes hustle plays that ignite us. Whether it’s moving the ball or making a tough drive, he sets the tone.”
Karl-Anthony Towns: “Mitchell gives us options”
Towns credited Robinson’s impact:
“He’s a natural defender with high-level intangibles. His presence changes our defensive approach.”
On adjusting his own game:
“I’ll need to defend the perimeter more. I’ve done it before with Gobert in Minnesota. Time to step up.”
Boston’s Perspective
Coach Joe Mazzulla brushed off the regular season sweep of New York:
“The series starts 0–0. Execution matters, not history.”
Jaylen Brown, managing an injury, said he’s ready:
“Structurally, I’m fine. Trending in the right direction. It’s a new series. Focused on what’s ahead.”
On the rivalry:
“Boston vs. New York—it’s a great stage for basketball.”
Bottom Line:
The Knicks are embracing their role as underdogs. The Celtics are locked in as defending champions. But as both sides have said, the regular season is behind them. The slate is clean. It’s 0–0.
Now, it’s about toughness, execution, and belief.