Boston's Shocking Playoff Meltdown

The defending champion Celtics-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Boston Celtics suffered the most surprising exit of the 2025 playoffs, collapsing against a revitalized Knicks-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>New York Knicks team in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Despite their impressive 61-21 regular season record, Boston's championship defense unraveled completely when Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during Game 4 - a career-altering injury that left the team scrambling.

New York seized their opportunity with surgical precision. Jalen Brunson's 39-point Game 4 masterpiece set the tone, while the Knicks' defense smothered Boston into submission. The series-ending 119-81 Game 6 blowout marked Boston's lowest playoff score in franchise history, exposing critical roster flaws. Jaylen Brown's 20-point effort couldn't compensate for supporting players like Derrick White, who managed only 8 points in the elimination game.

Denver's Gritty Survival Fight

Out west, the Nuggets-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Denver Nuggets staged an epic battle against top-seeded Oklahoma City. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokić carried Denver through seven games with staggering averages of 29 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. His Game 6 performance - controlling both offense and defense while Jamal Murray fought through illness - became instant playoff legend.

Denver's depth surprised everyone. Bench player Julian Strawther contributed 15 crucial points in Game 6, while Christian Braun's 23-point, 10-rebound effort proved role players can decide playoff series. Their ability to force Game 7 against OKC's 68-win juggernaut (featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren) showcased championship-level resilience.

New York's Cinderella Comeback

The Knicks' Cinderella story captivated basketball fans nationwide. Ending their 26-year conference finals drought, New York combined Jalen Brunson's leadership with Karl-Anthony Towns' defensive versatility. Josh Hart's triple-double (10/11/11) in Game 6 exemplified their team-first approach, while their 38-point series-clinching victory set a new franchise playoff record.

What This Playoff Shakeup Means

These 2025 playoffs shattered expectations:

• Boston's collapse questions modern superteam strategies
• Denver proved veteran leadership still matters
• New York demonstrated smart roster-building beats star-chasing

While Oklahoma City and Minnesota remain title favorites, these playoffs remind us that heart and teamwork often trump raw talent in NBA basketball.

 

Key Players to Watch

Boston Celtics: Defending champions derailed by injury
Nikola Jokić: Denver's engine defying playoff odds
New York Knicks: Historic upset specialists rewriting expectations