The New York Knicks are outperforming the Boston Celtics, plain and simple. But some of the analysts think otherwise.
The Celtics are undoubtedly having a rough time in their playoff series against the Knicks, and it’s hard to watch. After blowing two huge leads and finding themselves in an unexpected 0-2 hole, both players and fans are feeling the heat.
The frustration even spilled over into the studio during NBC Sports Boston’s postgame show, where analysts Kayla Burton and Chris Forsberg didn’t hold back.
While it’s always ideal to choose words perfectly while defining one’s unfavourable team, Forsberg went above and beyond to call the Knicks “cockroaches.” He suggested they refuse to go down without a fight.
"It's not the Knicks…I don't think the Knicks are doing anything all too impressive…"
"They're cockroaches. No matter what the Celtics do…they don't just sit there & take it…"
"But we're handing it to them!"
"We're gonna get aggregated…"
–– Celtics TV postgame pic.twitter.com/hc9Ddgf3yE
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 8, 2025
Here’s the conversation between the two esteemed Boston reporters:
Kayla Burton: “The frustrating thing is too, it’s not the Knicks. It’s the Celtics losing grip. Like I don’t think the Knicks are doing anything all too impressive. They’re competitive. They’re tough. Mikal Bridges had zero points in the first half, and all of a sudden, he gets hot in the second half. Jalen Brunson didn’t have his best of games.”
Chris Forsberg: “Let’s say this. They’re cockroaches. No matter what the Celtics do to put them in a compromised position, they do not just sit there and take it. They are willing to fight back. So I do want to give them credit.”
Kayla Burton: “But we’re handing it to them. We’re handing it to them a little. We’re playing scared. The Celtics are playing scared.”
Chris Forsberg: “We’re going to get aggregated if we just totally dismiss the Knicks part. They deserve some credit for the way they play, for the way that they don’t roll over in those moments.”
Even from an unbiased perspective, this sounds too odd.
Boston Analysts Undermine Knicks’ Efforts Despite Celtics’ 0-2 Collapse
Kayl Burton added that while the Celtics are struggling, it’s not just about what the Knicks are doing; it’s more about Boston losing their grip.
She pointed out that they seem to be playing scared, which is frustrating to watch. Forsberg jumped in, noting that while they need to give credit to the Knicks for their hard work, it’s clear the Celtics are the ones handing the game to them.
Though the numbers tell an interesting story. The Knicks have outscored the Celtics by 13 points in the fourth quarters of the first two games. They managed to win both by just a combined 4 points.
KNICKS FANS TOOK OVER BOSTON
CELTICS SECURITY WAS CRASHING OUT pic.twitter.com/vPc1REZ5PL
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) May 8, 2025
This success has come thanks to some clutch performances from players like Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson. Additionally, a fierce defense has caused turnovers at just the right moments.
So, while Boston broadcasters might be downplaying New York’s impact, it’s hard to ignore the evidence. The Knicks are executing their game plan effectively and keeping their cool in tight situations.
Celtics fans might be understandably frustrated, but aiming that frustration at the Knicks could be misplaced. This New York team has shown toughness, adaptability, and a willingness to stand up to the spotlight.
As the series moves to Madison Square Garden with the Knicks riding high on momentum, the pressure really shifts to the defending champion Celtics. They’ll need to find their footing quickly if they want to turn this series around. If the Knicks are “cockroaches,” they’re the kind that thrive when the lights shine bright. And right now, they’re firmly in control of Boston’s playoff hopes.