The Boston Celtics, once dominant, now find themselves unraveling under the relentless pressure of the Knicks’ defense.
Timely steals and fourth-quarter heroics have shifted the game’s momentum and left fans and analysts alike questioning: How has Mikal Bridges become the linchpin in this playoff saga?
As the series progresses, the spotlight intensifies on Bridges’ defensive prowess and clutch performances.
Let’s delve into the statistics that underscore his impact and explore how he’s redefining the Knicks’ playoff narrative.
Mikal Bridges’ Defensive Masterclass
From the opening tip of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Bridges has set a suffocating tone on the wing. In Game 1 at TD Garden, the Celtics—who averaged 116.3 points per game during the regular season—managed just 105 in overtime, thanks largely to Bridges’ timely deflections and help rotations.
Boston let it fly from deep in the playoffs—taking a record 60 three-point shots—but only 15 of them went in. A big reason was Bridges and the rest of the defense kept the pressure on, forcing tough, contested looks all night.
Mikal Bridges & OG Anunoby are holding Celtics players to 28.3% FG & 22.6% 3PT 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Rl0jZ7skJx
— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) May 8, 2025
Then came Game 2, which was even more of a rollercoaster. New York was down by 20 late in the third, but they stormed back for a wild 91–90 win. Bridges came up huge—he dropped all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter and sealed the deal with a clutch steal right at the buzzer.
His ability to switch onto shooters and navigate screens frustrated Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, holding each to uncharacteristic numbers. On the postseason’s most intense stage, Bridges remains unfazed. “Just finding ways to win,” he said after Game 2, reflecting a mindset that blends poise with aggression.
Knicks’ Perimeter Pressure Upends Celtics’ Offense
The Bridges-Anunoby pairing—dubbed “Wingstop” for their combined perimeter lockdown—has the Celtics’ shooters in knots. In both Games 1 and 2, Boston has struggled to find rhythm, particularly from deep.
OG Anunoby’s own intensity only amplifies Bridges’ impact. Anunoby held Tatum scoreless in over eight minutes of fourth-quarter coverage in Game 2, smothering isolation attempts and forcing several turnovers that turned into easy transition buckets.
Their combined effort has limited Boston to just 17 fourth-quarter points in Game 2, erasing a 20-point lead and delivering back-to-back road wins.
This relentless pressure extends beyond individual matchups. By overloading passing lanes and contesting catch-and-shoot opportunities, Bridges and Anunoby have disrupted Boston’s normally free-flowing motion offense, leading to rushed jumpers and low-percentage heaves.