Obviously Happy for the Knicks, But This is Horrible”: Celtics Fans React as Jayson Tatum’s Heroics Go to Waste in Crushing Loss to New York
Obviously Happy for the Knicks, But This is Horrible”: Celtics Fans React as Jayson Tatum’s Heroics Go to Waste in Crushing Loss to New York
NEW YORK — The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night was electric. The crowd roared, the confetti fell, and for New York Knicks fans, the moment felt like a long-overdue dream finally realized. But for Celtics fans — and especially for one Jayson Tatum — the night ended with heartbreak, frustration, and disbelief.
In one of the most emotional and dramatic playoff games in recent memory, the New York Knicks pulled off a stunning 115–113 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, eliminating the top-seeded Celtics in a jaw-dropping thriller. The win sent shockwaves through the NBA world — not only for what it meant for the Knicks, but for how cruelly it unfolded for Boston’s superstar, Jayson Tatum.
Tatum Delivers Greatness — But Comes Up Empty
Tatum, 26, put on one of the most complete and resilient performances of his career. He finished with 45 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and countless clutch plays in a game where it felt like he was carrying the hopes of an entire franchise on his shoulders. At times, it seemed he could do no wrong. His third-quarter outburst of 18 points, including back-to-back contested three-pointers over OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, briefly gave the Celtics the lead and silenced the Garden.
But basketball is a team game — and greatness, sometimes, isn’t enough.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Tatum said postgame, eyes red, voice subdued. “I gave it everything. We all did. It just wasn’t enough tonight.”
The final dagger came in the last 10 seconds of the game. With Boston trailing by two, Tatum drove hard into the lane and drew a double team before kicking it out to an open Jrue Holiday, whose potential game-winning three rimmed out. The Knicks grabbed the rebound. Game over. Season over.
Knicks Celebrate as Garden Erupts
On the other side of the floor, jubilation. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, long criticized for their lack of postseason success, embraced at center court. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau pumped his fist as fans chanted, “We want Boston — and we got ’em!”
The Knicks will now advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, a feat few analysts saw coming at the start of the season. Their gritty, defensive style, coupled with smart playmaking and timely shooting, has turned them into the Cinderella story of this year’s postseason.
“This city’s waited a long time,” Randle said. “And we’re not done.”
Boston’s Collapse: A Familiar Pain
For Boston, the loss stings — not just because of the result, but because of the trend. This marks the third time in five years the Celtics have fallen short of the Finals despite entering the playoffs as one of the favorites. And this year, with the addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, many felt it was championship-or-bust.
“This is a failure,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla admitted bluntly. “We had everything we needed to win. And we didn’t.”
Though Jaylen Brown scored 21 points and Derrick White chipped in 17, Boston’s role players fell short when it mattered. Poor transition defense, sloppy turnovers, and cold three-point shooting (9-for-33 from deep) doomed them, despite Tatum’s brilliance.
Social Media Reacts: “This is Horrible”
NBA Twitter exploded following the game. While many praised the Knicks for their long-awaited triumph, the main narrative focused on Tatum — and how his herculean performance ultimately went unrewarded.
One viral post summed up the sentiment: “Obviously happy for the Knicks, but this is horrible. Tatum was spectacular. This is not how that game should’ve ended.”
Fans and analysts alike questioned the Celtics’ late-game decision-making, particularly the final play where Tatum passed out of a potential game-tying opportunity.
“He made the right play,” former NBA All-Star Chris Webber said on the postgame show. “But at some point, your superstar’s got to go down swinging.”
What’s Next for Boston?
Now, with the offseason looming, questions swirl around the Celtics. Can the Tatum-Brown core win it all? Will the front office make major changes? And can Tatum, who continues to improve year after year, finally break through the ceiling that’s held Boston back since the 2022 Finals?
“Tonight doesn’t define him,” said Celtics legend Paul Pierce. “He was the best player on the floor. Period. He just needs more help — and maybe a little more luck.”
Knicks Look Ahead
As for New York, the celebration continues. The Knicks will face the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals — a series that promises physical play, passionate fans, and must-watch TV.
“We’re ready,” Brunson said. “Let ’em doubt us again. We like it that way.”
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Final Thought
In sports, sometimes excellence isn’t rewarded — and greatness can be overshadowed by a single missed shot or a bad bounce. Jayson Tatum reminded the world why he’s one of the NBA’s premier superstars. But on a night when he deserved the win, the basketball gods had other plans — and the Knicks, long the underdog, are moving on.
For now, Boston mourns. And New York celebrates.
But the league? It won’t forget the show Tatum put on — or how painfully it ended.
