The New York Knicks (50-29) aren’t just jockeying for playoff positioning—they’re trying to prove they belong in the championship conversation. Last night’s home showdown with the defending champion Boston Celtics (59-20) presented a golden opportunity to do just that. Instead, the Knicks—and their fans—were left heartbroken after a 119-117 overtime loss that reinforced doubts about their ability to compete with the league’s elite.
With Celtics star Jaylen Brown limited due to a knee injury, the Knicks mounted a late comeback and looked poised to finally beat Boston for the first time this season. But costly errors down the stretch doomed them once again.
One of the game’s most head-scratching moments came when OG Anunoby and the Knicks elected not to foul Jayson Tatum while up three points in the closing seconds of regulation. That decision backfired in brutal fashion as Tatum nailed a step-back three with just three seconds remaining, sending the game to overtime.
But it was Mikal Bridges who delivered the crushing blow in the extra period. After making what should’ve been the go-ahead basket late in the fourth, Bridges had a chance to keep New York alive in OT. Down 115-112 with 13.4 seconds left, Karl-Anthony Towns kicked the ball to a wide-open Bridges in the corner—but the 28-year-old wing bobbled the pass and lost it out of bounds. It was effectively the end.
Carmelo Anthony, watching from the sidelines, looked visibly pained—his reaction captured by Fullcourtpass—as Bridges managed only an awkward, uncomfortable smile. Knicks fans, understandably, were not as forgiving.
Social media reacts to Mikal Bridges’ slip-up in Knicks’ loss
“5 first-round picks for Mikal Bridges a year before KD, Book, Giannis, and Zion are all potentially available,” @herechigoes lamented on X, referencing the blockbuster trade the Knicks made with the Brooklyn Nets last summer.
The comment reflects growing frustration among Knicks fans who are questioning the long-term value of the deal—especially after Bridges’ costly late-game turnover against Boston—and wondering if the franchise jumped the gun in giving up such a massive haul ahead of a potentially historic free agent or trade market.
“Mikal Bridges’ performances in games against top teams continues to be absolutely brutal,” @BillyReinhardt posted. “These are the games that the Knicks acquired him for.”
It was a fair critique in the wake of Bridges’ underwhelming showing against the Celtics. Tasked with defending Jayson Tatum, the 2022 NBA All-Defensive First-Team honoree struggled to make an impact. Tatum hit the game-tying triple with just seconds left in regulation, and Bridges finished with a modest 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting, along with four rebounds, four assists, and a block. If the Knicks hope to get past the second round of the playoffs, they’ll need more from one of their most prized acquisitions.
Still, pinning the loss entirely on Bridges would be overly simplistic. OG Anunoby admitted he should’ve fouled Tatum to prevent the shot in the first place. And while Karl-Anthony Towns’ pass to Bridges late in overtime was ill-advised and awkwardly placed in the corner, it’s a pass Bridges still had a chance to secure.
Fans were divided in their reactions—some defending the two-time NCAA champion, others holding him accountable. “A pass should never go in the corner like that but Mikal has to catch that,” @AlvinV146 posted, summing up a balanced take.
There’s also a broader way to interpret the ending: a reminder that the Knicks are still trying to find their identity and composure in big moments. This wasn’t just a loss—it was a litmus test. And while painful, it could be the kind of experience that either breaks a team or helps shape its postseason edge.
Is it too late for New York to turn things around?
Crushing errors often leave scars—but they can also ignite a powerful sense of purpose. For the Knicks, who remain winless this season against the Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics—the NBA’s top three teams—that fuel might be exactly what they need. Despite the setbacks, hope isn’t lost until the final buzzer of their final game.
“Playoffs is redemption time,” @superman5142 declared—a sentiment that could very well become the team’s rallying cry. That’s the mindset the Knicks must adopt moving forward.
This roster was built to contend. It carries the talent, depth, and experience to compete deep into the playoffs. No matter how rocky the regular season has been against elite opponents, New York’s mission is clear: finish the journey with a level of performance that reflects the team’s potential and validates the vision that brought it together.