Fri May 09 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Celtics’ Mazzulla Explains Late-Game Collapse Against Knicks; Eastern Conference Playoffs Heat Up

**NEW YORK, NY –** The 2025 NBA Playoffs are underway, and the second round is already delivering dramatic matchups. The Boston Celtics, defending champions, find themselves down 0-2 to the New York Knicks after a Game 2 loss where late-game execution proved costly. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the team’s shortcomings in the final minutes, although specifics weren’t provided in the released summary of his comments.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 1 seed, are battling the Indiana Pacers in a closely contested series, currently tied 1-1. The Pacers, who upset the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, are proving to be a tough opponent.

Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, swept the Memphis Grizzlies to advance to the second round. They now face a stiff challenge from the Denver Nuggets, who overcame a Game 2 blowout loss to even their series at 1-1. The series between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves is also proving competitive, currently tied 1-1.

The 2025 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on June 5th. ESPN provides comprehensive coverage of all playoff games. The upcoming games for the series highlighted above are detailed below:

**Eastern Conference:**

* **Celtics vs. Knicks:** Game 3 Saturday, 3:30 ET, ABC
* **Cavaliers vs. Pacers:** Game 3 Friday, 7:30 ET, ESPN

**Western Conference:**

* **Thunder vs. Nuggets:** Game 3 Friday, 10 ET, ESPN
* **Warriors vs. Timberwolves:** Game 3 Saturday, 8:30 ET, ABC

The remaining games for all series will be televised on ABC, ESPN and TNT, with specific dates and times available on the ESPN website and app.

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