It was the sixth playoff game Bird has missed in his 12-year pro career.
With 6 minutes left and the Knicks leading by 99-95, Bird missed badly on a fadeaway jumper.
Bird missed his second consecutive game with a sprained left ankle, but his absence was no excuse.
Bird missed 37 games in the 1991-92 regular season and missed six in the playoffs.
Bird missed all but six games last season after surgery on both feet.
The Celtics are 4-6 in the 10 games that Bird has missed with an inflamed nerve in his back.
Bird underwent surgery on both heels Nov. 19 and missed the last 76 games of the regular season.
After Bird missed a pair of 3-point shots, Wilkins gave Atlanta a 96-92 advantage.
Bird missed his next two shots, including a 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining.
Bird missed a free throw with 4 minutes 17 seconds left in the third quarter, ending his streak seven short of the league record.
