Knicks Steal Game 1 in Overtime Thriller Against Celtics!
In a stunning turn of events, the New York Knicks stole Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Boston Celtics, securing a 108-105 overtime victory at TD Garden on Monday night. After trailing by as many as 20 points in the second half, the Knicks showed incredible resilience to chip away at the lead and ultimately snatch a crucial road win.
Brunson and Anunoby Lead the Charge:
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby were the offensive catalysts for the Knicks, each pouring in 29 points. Brunson, the newly crowned Clutch Player of the Year, once again lived up to his reputation with key plays down the stretch. Anunoby also had a playoff career-high in scoring, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Key Player Stats:
New York Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson: 29 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 three-pointers
- OG Anunoby: 29 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 three-pointers (playoff career high)
- Josh Hart: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 14 points, 13 rebounds
- Mikal Bridges: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
Boston Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum: 23 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists
- Jaylen Brown: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
- Derrick White: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists
- Jrue Holiday: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
- Payton Pritchard: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Turning Points and Game Summary:
The Celtics came out strong, building a significant lead, but the Knicks refused to back down. A dominant third quarter saw New York outscore Boston 30-23, setting the stage for a tense fourth quarter. The Knicks continued their momentum, eventually tying the game and forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Anunoby hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by another from Bridges, giving the Knicks a 106-100 lead. Despite a late three from Jaylen Brown, Mikal Bridges sealed the victory with a steal from Brown in the final seconds.
Celtics Struggle from Beyond the Arc:
A major storyline of the game was the Celtics’ ice-cold shooting from three-point range. They connected on just 15 of their 60 attempts, setting an NBA playoff record for most missed three-pointers (45). This poor perimeter shooting ultimately cost them the game despite leading for a significant portion.
News and Notes:
- Kristaps Porzingis played only 13 minutes for the Celtics and did not return after halftime due to illness. His status for Game 2 is uncertain.
- The Knicks’ Game 1 victory marks their largest playoff comeback in the play-by-play era.
- Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston.
Looking Ahead:
The Knicks have gained a significant advantage by stealing home-court in Game 1. However, the Celtics will undoubtedly look to bounce back in Game 2. With Porzingis’ health in question, the Knicks will aim to capitalize and take a commanding 2-0 series lead. This Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup is shaping up to be a hard-fought and exciting series.
