Celtics Face Offseason Uncertainty Following Disastrous Playoff Exit
NEW YORK — The Boston Celtics’ playoff journey came to a shocking halt on Friday night at Madison Square Garden, where they suffered a crushing 118-81 defeat in Game 6 against the New York Knicks. This rout marked the Knicks’ largest win in franchise playoff history and eliminated the defending champions from the postseason.
Without All-Star Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined since Game 4, the Celtics struggled both offensively and defensively. Jaylen Brown was the only standout performer in a game that saw Boston unable to secure crucial rebounds and maintain momentum. The Celtics had previously squandered significant leads, including two 20-point advantages in earlier games, leading to their downfall in the series.
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the Knicks’ prowess but sidestepped the more pressing issues surrounding his team’s stunning collapses. He credited New York for their performance throughout the series but also recognized the fatigue evident in Game 6. “The Knicks made huge momentum plays… those are the habits that impact games,” Mazzulla noted, reflecting on the missed opportunities.
As Boston moves into an offseason shadowed by potential roster changes due to financial constraints, the future remains uncertain. Mazzulla emphasized the importance of the effort and mindset of his players, despite not achieving their postseason goals. “We set a goal out. We didn’t achieve that goal… but you can’t take away from what they did,” he stated, expressing gratitude for his team’s dedication throughout the season.
With critical decisions ahead, the Celtics will look to rebuild as they face the repercussions of a disappointing playoff exit, hoping to emerge stronger in the next season.
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