Knicks vs. Celtics Game 1: A Comeback for the Ages
In a dramatic opening to the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the New York Knicks pulled off an unforgettable 108–105 overtime victory against the Boston Celtics, stunning the home crowd at TD Garden and taking a 1–0 series lead.
The Celtics came out firing, dominating much of the game behind the star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Boston looked unstoppable, building a commanding 20-point lead in the second half. But the momentum shifted when the Knicks clamped down defensively and found their rhythm on offense.
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the charge for New York, each scoring 29 points. Brunson’s poise in the clutch was instrumental, while Anunoby delivered a game-changing three-point play in overtime and brought relentless energy on both ends of the floor.
Mikal Bridges contributed across the board with eight points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals—including a crucial late-game steal from Jaylen Brown that helped seal the win. Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart also made big impacts, both recording double-doubles and keeping the Knicks alive when the Celtics threatened to pull away.
For Boston, the night unraveled behind the arc. Despite their early success, they finished with an NBA playoff-record 45 missed three-point attempts. Combined with the loss of Kristaps Porziņģis to illness and Sam Hauser to an ankle injury, the Celtics’ firepower waned just as the Knicks were heating up.
Now the pressure shifts to Game 2. The Celtics must regroup and defend home court before heading to Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, the Knicks have the momentum—and the confidence—that could carry them to a commanding series lead.
