Denver and New York witnessed thrilling upsets in the NBA conference semifinals on Monday night, with both the Nuggets and the Knicks snatching victories from the jaws of defeat. Denver edged out Oklahoma City 121-119, while New York overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108-105 in overtime, taking 1-0 leads in their respective series.

The Nuggets faced a tough challenge against one of the league’s top defensive teams. Trailing by as many as 14 points, they rallied late in the game, propelled by a pivotal three-pointer from Nikola Jokić that narrowed the margin to just one point. In the game’s waning moments, Aaron Gordon delivered the decisive blow with a three-pointer, set up by Russell Westbrook, sealing the win for Denver with just four seconds on the clock.

Gordon contributed significantly, posting 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Jokić put on an unforgettable performance. His 42 points—including 26 in the second half—along with 22 rebounds and six assists, made him only the fourth player in NBA history to record a 40/20/5 stat line in the playoffs.

Earlier in Boston, the Knicks flipped the script against the Celtics. After trailing by a wide margin, they managed a comeback, fueled by a surge of energy that began with just under seven minutes to go. Jalen Brunson was instrumental, finishing the game with 29 points after a slow start that saw him hit only three field goals in the first half.

The Knicks forced overtime and took command in the extra session, thanks to Mikal Bridges’ crucial three-pointer that put New York ahead 106-100. With just seconds left in the game, Bridges made a vital defensive play, stealing the ball from Jaylen Brown, clinching the victory for the Knicks.

This remarkable performance followed the Indiana Pacers’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking road teams as a dominant force, going 3-0 in the conference semifinals so far.

Both teams displayed resilience and adaptability. The Nuggets, led by interim head coach David Adelman, showcased a tenacity that kept them in contention despite Oklahoma City’s offensive pressure. Adelman’s strategy emphasized staying mentally engaged throughout the game, which ultimately paid off with their late-game resurgence.

Conversely, the Celtics struggled with their shooting, making only 15 of their 60 attempts from three-point range, a statistic that was disappointing for a team known for its perimeter prowess. Despite a solid start, their inability to convert from beyond the arc allowed New York to mount its comeback. The Knicks, who managed a 46 percent success rate from long distance, capitalized on Boston’s shortcomings, establishing their confidence on the playoff stage.

As the series progresses, both teams will have to refine their strategies. The Knicks will look to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their defensive strengths, while the Celtics will need to address their shooting efficiency if they hope to turn the tide in the following games.

These matchups illustrate the intensity of playoff basketball, where the margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin. Fans can expect even more electrifying action as Denver and New York seek to build on their early advantages in the conference semifinals.