Celtics downfall highlighted by Knicks reaching same milestone as Banner 18 team

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have gone in opposite directions since the former won Banner 18 two years ago. While the Celtics are dealing with the fallout of two consecutive embarrassing playoff defeats, the Knicks are on the verge of their first NBA Finals appearance since before the 21st century even started.

Does that rub salt on the wound, Celtics fans? First, apologies. Second, well, it gets worse, as the Knicks have now won 10 consecutive playoff games, which makes them the first team to do that since the 2024 Celtics.

For anyone who doesn't remember - the winning streak, not the title (duh) - the Celtics streak started when they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and ended when they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Of course, we all know what happened after that.

Those were some good times, but the Knicks matching that streak is another reminder of how sharp the Celtics' decline has been since winning Banner 18. Not only have they not come close to it, but they lose two consecutive playoff series that they should have won.

And now, the East has a new powerhouse until further notice. The Cavaliers aren't out yet, but whether they lose tomorrow or not, this series looks just about over. For a time, it really felt like the Celtics were the team to beat, and seeing the Knicks more or less take their place makes their fall from grace sting a little more.

Boston is down, but they are not out

This is definitely a down period, but down periods happen. Even NBA dynasties had their sad times. The 1986 Lakers got embarrassed by the Rockets. The 1995 Bulls suffered a similar fate against the Magic. Even the Spurs got swept by the Suns in the first round in 2010.

All of those teams licked their wounds and got themselves back up. The Celtics aren't a dynasty like those teams, but they have the extensive success to their name that they can realistically get themselves right back into title contention, but they will have to make the right moves.

That's what Chicago and San Antonio had to do to get back to their previous standing, as the former added Dennis Rodman while the latter added Kawhi Leonard. Then, BAM, they were right back to their previous status.

Boston will have the chance to do the same, but they know they must choose wisely. They might think someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo is worth a shot, or they might not. As much as it's going to suck to ruminate on the Celtics' epic failures over the last two years, it is a comfort to know that it shouldn't stay that way.