The first two games of the East Semifinals against the New York Knicks haven't been pleasant for Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics lost 91-90 to the Knicks in Game 2 on Wednesday night. As a result, they now trail 2-0 in the series even though they led by 20 points in both games.

Mazzulla reflected on the loss after the game. He talked about Boston putting themselves in position to win these games. However, he admitted they didn't get it done to close out the contests.

“We put ourselves in position to [win], and we just didn't make the plays,” Mazzulla said.

What's next for Joe Mazzulla, Celtics

Article Continues Below
Related Boston Celtics News
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second quarter at Paycom Center.
Colin Cowherd shades Jayson Tatum with ‘alpha’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takeMalik Brown ·
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
ESPN analyst floats Celtics as Giannis Antetokounmpo landing spotZachary Draves ·
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) defends during the second half at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Clippers eyeing Jrue Holiday trade after past loss to CelticsDaniel Donabedian ·
Kristaps Porzingis photoshopped in Magic jersey. Include his jersey number.
Magic offseason trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis as Celtics get finances in checkBailey Bassett ·
Jrue Holiday photoshopped in Kings jersey.
Kings offseason trade proposal for Jrue Holiday amid Celtics’ financial concernsBailey Bassett ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
NBA awards voter reveals $315M Jayson Tatum reason for giving up voteJulian Ojeda ·
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with center Al Horford (42) from the sideline as they take on the New York Knicks during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
David Butler II-Imagn Images

Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics will be busy figuring out their struggles in closing out games. Their collapses in Games 1 and 2 will continue to garner scrutiny until they correct their mistakes.

Four players scored in double-digits on Boston's behalf. Derrick White led the way as he finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists. He shot 6-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-11 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Jaylen Brown came next with 20 points and six rebounds, Tatum had 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday provided 10 points and five assists.

Boston has the championship pedigree to persevere through these struggles and make the series turn in their favor. However, it will require a lot of discipline and positive consistency to get back to their elite form.

The Celtics will look to bounce back when they face the Knicks in Game 3. The contest will take place on May 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET.