BOSTON — The New York Knicks upset the defending champion Boston Celtics, 108-105, in a thrilling overtime victory during Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, defying the expectations of many NBA analysts. Trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, the Knicks demonstrated resilience and fortitude, turning the tide to snatch a crucial win on the road.
The team entered the game as heavy underdogs, yet their previous playoff experience fueled their comeback mentality. In the first round, the Knicks rallied from behind in multiple instances against the Detroit Pistons, showcasing their knack for perseverance. This time, they would need that spirit once again.
Mikal Bridges made a pivotal play in the closing moments of overtime, stripping the ball from Jaylen Brown and silencing the TD Garden crowd. The Knicks capitalized on the momentum, with Bridges contributing strong all-around numbers—eight points, seven assists, and six rebounds—demonstrating his impact beyond just scoring.
Bridges’ defensive prowess was a direct response to the Knicks’ trade strategy, as they acquired him and OG Anunoby to better compete with Boston’s All-Star duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum. On this night, Bridges and Anunoby effectively restricted their shots to just 14-of-43 from the field.
Following Bridges’ steal, Anunoby delivered a dunk to kick off the overtime scoring, then assisted Bridges on a three-pointer that extended their lead. Karl-Anthony Towns also played a vital role in the victory with a late tip-in, allowing the Knicks to seize home-court advantage despite their previous struggles against the Celtics in the regular season.
“Special moments like this show what this team is capable of,” Towns stated. “The defending champions will come back stronger, so we need to elevate our game for the next matchup.”
Jalen Brunson led the charge offensively, scoring 29 points, including 20 in the second half. His performance included a stretch of 11 consecutive points that shifted the momentum in the Knicks’ favor. Though he missed a crucial floater that could have ended the game in regulation, his teammates rallied around him, underscoring a strong sense of camaraderie within the squad.
Anunoby finished with a season-high 29 points, while both Towns and Josh Hart contributed double-doubles to solidify the Knicks’ balanced attack. In contrast, the Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, setting an NBA playoff record with 45 missed three-pointers, shooting only 15-of-60 overall. Both Brown and Tatum were held to 23 points each in a disappointing performance.
The Celtics appeared poised for a comfortable win, leading by 20 points with less than six minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, the Knicks refused to relinquish hope. Key three-pointers by Hart and Anunoby revived their spirits, and as they continued to chip away at the deficit, they demonstrated a belief that ignited their comeback.
“Fighting is part of our identity,” said Bridges. “We won’t stop until the final buzzer, and we’ve shown that we can overcome adversity.”
As the series unfolds, the Knicks are focused on maintaining their momentum and preparing for Game 2. Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the importance of keeping perspective, reminding his team that while they secured one victory, the journey is far from over. The Knicks aim to build on their confidence as they strive for a series upset, hopeful that their resilience will carry them through the remainder of the matchup.
