The Boston Celtics, who won the NBA championship last season, fell short of repeating as champions. The team’s loss to the New York Knicks on Friday marked the seventh consecutive year that no team has secured back-to-back titles.
The Celtics’ struggles are a result of the parity era in the NBA, where teams are designed to be competitive every year. The “second apron” rule, which requires teams to retool and spend large amounts of money, was introduced to keep teams on top for only a brief period.
Jaylen Brown, the Celtics’ Finals MVP last season, said that losing feels similar to previous years, but this time it’s even harder. The team had a great regular season, but injuries and playstyle changes took their toll in the playoffs.
Coach Joe Mazzulla’s style of basketball, which emphasized cross-match hunting and high-volume 3-point shooting, was unable to overcome the Knicks’ strong defense. The Celtics’ inability to adapt to the changing game also contributed to their downfall.
Despite the loss, the Celtics left a lasting impact on the NBA. They innovated the concept of high-volume 3-point shooting and gave analytical theory character and purpose.
The team’s fate is uncertain, with options for roster changes and player departures on the horizon. The Celtics will need to regroup and refocus next season if they hope to reclaim their title.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6363398/2025/05/17/celtics-lose-game-6-to-knicks