Knicks Aim To Level Up To Extend Lead

New York know they have to play better to fend off wounded Boston after Game 1 upset

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BOSTON - The Boston Celtics have their backs against the wall when they host the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 7 (May 8, Singapore time).

After the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit in the third quarter to win Game 1 108-105 in overtime on May 5, the Celtics will try to cut the deficit before the series shifts to New York for Game 3.

"This team is special," New York's Karl-Anthony Towns said. "Obviously (the Celtics are) the defending champions and they're gonna come back hungrier and we need to play the next game at a higher level."

Celtics starting center Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 points per game during the regular season, did not play in the second half of Game 1. He returned to the locker room shortly after coming out for the second half with what the team called a non-Covid-19 illness.

Porzingis missed eight straight games in March because of a viral illness.

They may not have to miss Porzingis for long, as the injury report on May 6 listed him as probable for Game 2. But Sam Hauser (right ankle sprain) is doubtful.