The New York Knicks had a 12-point lead heading into the fourth quarter of Game 2 of their first-round matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. They lost by one. Besides laughing at the pain, the Boston Celtics can't help but sympathize because there's not a worse feeling than losing to an inferior team because of an improbable comeback.
So now, the Knicks know what the Celtics felt like during last years Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Yes, we are going to bring up some bad memories, but everyone remembers when Boston was up by 20 in their first two games against the Knicks in the fourth quarter, but wound up losing both games due to poor three-point shooting on one end and poorer defense on the other.
Knicks deserve props for hanging in there, as it's what got them into the Easrern Conference Finals. But watching them blow a golden chance to take legitimate control of their series in the fashion they did should feel so sweet for the Celtics.
Of course, Boston would love their chance at revenge should they and their long-time rivals move on, but they'll settle for watching the Knicks get upset at the hands of the Hawks.
Celtics are somewhat responsible for putting Knicks here
Remember when Boston beat Orlando with their second and third stringers in their regular season finale? Well, that benefited them big time, as it prevented them from seeing the Hawks in the first round while also preventing the Knicks from playing the vulnerable Toronto Raptors in the first round.
When seeing how Cleveland is handling their business against Toronto, it's clear why Boston didn't want to help give New York a more favorable matchup. Now, the Knicks are tied at one game apiece against a pretty frisky Hawks team that should not be taken lightly.
Odds are, the Knicks will come victorious, but there's a strong possibility that the Hawks are going to make this very difficult for them. That could also be a big benefit should New York come up victorious because Boston would love to see a fatigued playoff rival in the second round.
Of course, they have to get past Philadelphia first, but, knock on wood, a lot could break Boston's way from this situation. Seeing the Knicks lose to the Hawks in New York was fun enough on its own, but watching them lose it in the fashion they did made it even sweeter.
Though, to be fair, the Knicks are already more than familiar with these kind of outcomes...
Add us as a preferred source on Google