In a dramatic showdown at TD Garden, the New York Knicks pulled off an impressive overtime victory against the Boston Celtics, winning 108-105 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series on May 5, 2025. This victory not only marks a significant upset but also puts the current NBA champions' status as favorites in jeopardy as they head into the next game.
Trailing by as much as 20 points during the game, the Knicks showcased resilience and determination, rallying in the final moments to force overtime and ultimately secure the win. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby were the standout performers, each scoring 29 points and leading the charge for New York. Their contributions were crucial, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime, where every point mattered.
Josh Hart also made a notable impact, recording a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 14 points and 13 rebounds to the mix. On the other side, the Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who each scored 23 points, but their efforts were not enough to prevent the defeat.
The game kicked off with both teams displaying strong defensive strategies, but it was the Celtics who initially took control, largely thanks to Jayson Tatum’s explosive start. Tatum scored 13 points in the first quarter, helping Boston to a narrow 26-25 lead by the end of the period. The Celtics continued to build on that momentum in the second quarter, with Jaylen Brown contributing 14 points, allowing them to stretch their lead to as much as 20 points before halftime.
However, the Knicks refused to back down. Coach Tom Thibodeau called a timeout as Boston threatened to run away with the game, and his team responded after the break. The Knicks began to chip away at the deficit, with Brunson and Anunoby leading the offensive charge. The third quarter saw a shift in momentum, as New York cut the lead to just nine points heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks continued their comeback. With the game tied at 100-100 and just seconds remaining, Brunson had a chance to win it in regulation but missed a layup attempt. This set the stage for an intense overtime period.
During overtime, the Knicks struck first, taking a 106-100 lead after Anunoby scored on a three-point play. Despite the Celtics' struggles with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, where they finished with a dismal 15 of 60 attempts, they fought back. Brown managed to hit a three-pointer to narrow the gap to 108-105 with just over a minute left, but the Knicks held strong.
As time wound down, Mikal Bridges made a critical defensive play, stealing the ball from Brown with only three seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory for New York. This win not only boosts the Knicks' confidence but also raises questions about the Celtics' ability to maintain their championship form, especially after setting an NBA playoff record with 45 missed three-pointers.
Looking ahead, the Knicks and Celtics will clash again on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 20:00 Brasilia time. The stakes are higher than ever as New York seeks to capitalize on their Game 1 triumph and take a commanding lead in the series.
In summary, the Knicks' victory over the Celtics in Game 1 serves as a reminder that in the playoffs, anything can happen. With standout performances from Brunson and Anunoby, coupled with strategic adjustments by Thibodeau, New York has positioned itself as a formidable opponent in the ongoing playoff race.
