Kendrick Perkins Makes Major Knicks Statement During Series Against Celtics

The New York Knicks are proving to be a great fourth-quarter team. Against the Detroit Pistons in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, they had to erase fourth-quarter deficits numerous times.

Against the Boston Celtics, not much has changed. They've completed two 20-point comebacks in as many games to take a 2-0 series lead heading back to Madison Square Garden.

While Jalen Brunson has typically been the hero late in those games, Mikal Bridges stepped up for the Knicks, scoring all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.

Kendrick Perkins makes major Knicks statement

The Knicks have been doing a great job of stymying the Celtics in crunch time. 

In the fourth quarter, the Celtics shot 20% from the floor and 18% from three.

Perhaps even more impressive, the Knicks held the Celtics to zero made field goals from the 8:40 mark until 18 seconds left when Jayson Tatum got the quick dunk to go down to go up one.

Tom Thibodeau has been designing defenses to throw at the Celtics. They've generated turnovers by bringing a second guy to defend Jaylen Brown on the dribble.

It has worked perfectly, as Brown had six turnovers in Game 2.

Kendrick Perkins spoke on what Thibodeau has meant so far.

"Tom Thibodeau ... is coaching his ass off right now. That's how they're winning," Perkins said. "The coaching and the trust. When Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns go to the bench, I see the pace pick up."

While Brunson scored nine points in the fourth quarter, it's been the play of those around him that has them up 2-0.

If the Knicks can continue getting 20-plus point outings from Josh Hart and clutch performances from Bridges in addition to what Brunson and Towns bring every night, this series could be over sooner rather than later.