The New York Knicks might be up 2-0 on the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but not everyone sees the series the same way as Kendrick Perkins.
Charles Barkley still believes Boston is the better team and insists Game 3 is a must-win for the Knicks, not the Celtics. According to him, if Boston grabs one win, they’re taking off.
But Kendrick Perkins? He’s not buying it, and his latest take has Celtics fans heated.
Kendrick Perkins Says Celtics Are “Done”
Perkins hasn’t held back after either of the first two games. And to be fair, Boston has looked rough. They blew 20-point leads in both games and couldn’t hit anything from beyond the arc, something critical to their identity as reigning champs.
Still, his take on ESPN’s Get Up was blunt, even harsh.
“Right now, they (Knicks) have the mental edge over the Boston Celtics. I don’t give a damn what nobody says. The Celtics are done. They’re not coming back in this series. I have all the trust and faith in the New York Knicks. They’re going to win this series. The Celtics will be lucky to get one game.”
Perkins, who once wore green himself, isn’t just doubting a comeback, he’s already called the series.
Celtics Fans Aren’t Having It
Boston’s in a tough spot, no doubt. But fans quickly pointed out Perkins might be jumping the gun.
Remember 2023? The Celtics were down 3-0 to Miami and still forced a Game 7. And that team had an interim head coach and a younger core. Today’s squad is more experienced—and they’ve been here before.
Sure, the Knicks could close this thing out. But declaring the Celtics “done” after just two games? That feels a little premature.
If anything, Perkins’ Celtics take has just added more fuel to the fire for Game 3.
What to Watch for in Game 3
Boston has let double-digit leads slip away in back-to-back games. Look for them to tighten up their half-court defense, especially in the second half. If they can contain Jalen Brunson down the stretch, the series’ complexion changes fast.
The Celtics have been ice-cold from beyond the arc, shooting under 30% through two games. That’s uncharacteristic for a team that typically lives and dies by the three. If they get even average production from deep, Game 3 could look very different.
If Boston wins Game 3, suddenly it’s 2-1, and the tone around the series flips. And if that happens, Kendrick Perkins’ Celtics take might age… not so well.
Related: 10 Reasons Everyone Loves to Hate the Boston Celtics
