Jaylen Brown admitted that it was "inexcusable" that the Boston Celtics had squandered another substantial lead as they fell 2-0 behind to the New York Knicks in the NBA Conference playoff finals.

The Celtics led by 20 points in the third quarter and 16 in the fourth as they looked set to make it 1-1 in the best-of-seven series.

But Jalen Brunson converted two free throws with just 12.7 seconds remaining to hand New York a 91-90 victory and their second comeback win after winning in overtime in game one, leaving Brown stunned.

"Two games we're up 20 points and somehow end up not with wins is inexcusable," Brown, who scored 20 points, said.

"Obviously, being down two, it sucks."

KNICKS COME BACK FROM 20 DOWN FOR THE 2ND STRAIGHT GAME.

BRIDGES MAKES THE GAME-SEALING PLAY FOR THE 2ND STRAIGHT GAME https://t.co/MirKP7w4hu pic.twitter.com/xnD7oEGpsc

— NBA (@NBA) May 8, 2025

Celtics coach Joe Mazzula enjoyed aspects of his side's performance but admitted that the Knicks took advantage of some of their deficiencies as the game wore on.

He said: "I thought we generated some good looks, and then I thought we had some live-ball turnovers, and they took advantage of it, so they made the necessary plays to win.".

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was delighted with how his team performed towards the end of the encounter despite another poor start.

"We started slowly, got in a big hole, dug our way out and then guys made a lot of tough plays," said Thibodeau.

"[Our players] were at their best when their best was needed down the stretch."

The Celtics now travel to New York for game three on Saturday.