The New York Knicks may have been down but they were never out. After entering halftime with a 15-point deficit, the Knicks rallied to outscore the Boston Celtics 63-44 in the second half, ultimately claiming a thrilling 108-105 overtime victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The game kicked off with the Celtics showing their dominance, having just come off a strong series win against the Orlando Magic. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the star duo for Boston, were anticipated to lead the charge once again. However, as the game progressed, it became clear that the Knicks had other plans.
New York trailed by as many as 20 points in the second half, but the team’s spirit and determination shone through. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby emerged as the standout performers for the Knicks, each contributing 29 points to the scoreboard. Brunson, known for his clutch performances, scored a significant 20 points after halftime, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Knicks began to chip away at the Celtics' lead. Despite being in foul trouble during the first half—with Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns both picking up three fouls—the Knicks managed to find their rhythm. The Celtics, on the other hand, struggled significantly with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, where they went a dismal 15-of-60. Tatum and Brown combined to shoot just 5-of-25 from three-point range, a stark contrast to the Knicks' 17-of-37 performance from deep.
The pivotal moment came in overtime when Mikal Bridges, who played a crucial defensive role throughout the game, made an incredible steal from Jaylen Brown during the final possession. Bridges' defensive prowess allowed the Knicks to maintain their lead, which they built on with a critical three-pointer that extended their advantage to six points midway through the overtime period.
Bridges, despite finishing with only eight points, contributed significantly with his defensive stats, recording three steals and two blocks, and dishing out seven assists. His impact on the game was felt, especially in the closing moments of the overtime.
In addition to Brunson and Anunoby's scoring, Josh Hart also played a vital role, finishing the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 45 minutes of action. His hustle and rebounding were instrumental in the Knicks' comeback.
For the Celtics, Tatum managed to score 23 points along with 16 rebounds but faced difficulties in the fourth quarter and overtime, scoring just four points on 1-of-8 shooting. Brown, who also ended with 23 points, struggled similarly in the second half, making only two of his nine attempts from the field.
Kristaps Porzingis, who was expected to be a key player for the Celtics, left the game at halftime due to illness and did not return, adding to Boston's challenges. Sam Hauser also exited the game early with an ankle sprain, further depleting the Celtics' roster.
This victory marks a significant moment for the Knicks, who had not beaten the Celtics in the regular season, going 0-4 against them. This win not only gives them a 1-0 lead in the series but also serves as a confidence booster for a franchise that hasn’t advanced past the second round since the 1999-2000 season.
As the series progresses, the Knicks will look to build on this momentum in Game 2, which is set for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at TD Garden. The Celtics, in front of their home crowd, will aim to bounce back and level the series, but they’ll need to significantly improve their shooting efficiency, especially from three-point range, to avoid falling into a deeper hole against a resilient Knicks team.
With the Knicks stealing home-court advantage, the stage is set for an intense Game 2. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Celtics can regroup and respond or if the Knicks will continue their playoff surge.
