When Kendrick Perkins talks about the Boston Celtics, he doesn’t mince words — and he certainly didn’t hold back when assessing the stakes for Game 2 of their playoff series. The former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst made it clear: Game 2 is a must-win for the Celtics. ✍️
After a lackluster performance in Game 1 that saw Boston fall flat in the second half, Perkins went on air and delivered a fiery message that echoed the frustration of Celtics fans everywhere. “This ain’t just another game,” he said. “If the Celtics don’t respond in Game 2, this series could spiral out of control real quick.”
It’s not just hot talk. Perkins has a point. The Celtics have championship aspirations — and the talent to match. But in Game 1, they looked flat, out of sync, and surprisingly soft on both ends of the court. Despite having home-court advantage and a rested roster, they allowed their opponent to dictate the pace and outwork them when it mattered most. Perkins, who won a title with Boston in 2008, knows exactly what kind of intensity it takes to survive the playoffs — and he didn’t see enough of it.
“We know what Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can do,” Perkins said. “But this team has to want it more. You can’t come out passive, hoping to win. You’ve got to take it — and Game 2 is the time to show that killer mentality.”
The Celtics have built a reputation as a resilient, high-powered team, but they’ve also been criticized for their inconsistency in big moments. Last year’s playoff run saw them flirt with disaster multiple times, often putting themselves in 0-1 or 3-2 holes before turning it on. That kind of pattern isn’t sustainable — and Perkins made it clear they can’t afford another slow start this time.
He also called out specific players to step up. “Al Horford’s leadership matters, but we need production. Derrick White has to get aggressive. And Joe Mazzulla? He’s got to coach like his job is on the line. This is not the regular season. The adjustments, the rotations, the urgency — it all needs to be playoff-level.”
The Celtics are built to win now. Tatum is in his prime, Brown is playing for legacy (and a max contract he’s already secured), and their supporting cast has depth most teams envy. But none of that means anything without results. Game 2 isn’t just about tying the series — it’s about setting the tone, regaining control, and reminding everyone why this team was considered a title favorite.
A loss in Game 2 would mean going on the road down 0-2 — a daunting task in any series, regardless of opponent. It would plant seeds of doubt, not just among fans but in the locker room itself. That’s why, in Kendrick Perkins’ eyes, it’s do-or-die time.
“They better wake up,” he warned. “Because Game 2? That’s their season walking into the building.”
