BOSTON — The New York Knicks displayed exceptional resilience on Monday, erasing a 20-point deficit to claim a thrilling 108-105 victory over the Boston Celtics in overtime during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. This win marked the Knicks’ first triumph against any of the league’s top three teams—Boston, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City—this season.
In a dramatic turnaround, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson led the Knicks’ charge, scoring 29 points apiece. Their combined performance was pivotal in the final moments, as they energized the team, allowing the Knicks to outscore the Celtics 53-30 over the last 22 minutes of regulation and extra time. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed crucial plays in overtime, showcasing the Knicks’ defensive prowess against a Celtics team that performed well throughout the regular season.
The Celtics, meanwhile, struggled with their offense despite having their core players available for just the 19th time this season. Kristaps Porziņģis missed the second half due to illness, and Sam Hauser exited early with an ankle injury, reducing their offensive options. Nevertheless, the Celtics set unfortunate records for the most three-point attempts and misses in a playoff game, managing only 15 successful shots out of 60 attempts from beyond the arc.
Boston’s offense fluctuated between sharp execution and careless shots, especially in the second half. The Celtics, who had relied heavily on their three-point shooting during the season, shot just 25% from deep in this game. Star player Jayson Tatum’s commitment to shooting threes proved costly, as he missed several critical attempts in the closing moments, stifling Boston’s offensive rhythm.
Knicks’ defenders played a significant role in the outcome, effectively countering the Celtics’ strategies. Anunoby, who defended Tatum for much of the night, made key plays that fueled New York’s comeback. His late-game transition dunk tied the score in a pivotal fourth quarter, exemplifying the Knicks’ defensive tenacity.
As the Knicks capitalized on Boston’s struggles, they strategically targeted Al Horford, particularly since Porziņģis was sidelined. New York initiated numerous ball-screens involving Horford, seeking to exploit his defensive limitations. While they did not score heavily from this effort, it yielded critical points in crucial moments.
The Knicks also found success from the corners, hitting seven of eleven attempts. Brunson’s timely corner three-pointer late in regulation put New York ahead, while their offensive execution in overtime highlighted their ability to respond under pressure.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the need for adjustments moving forward, reflecting on the team’s tendency to settle for perimeter shots during moments of momentum. Players like Jaylen Brown expressed a desire to penetrate more effectively to disrupt the flow of their opponents, emphasizing the importance of diverse offensive strategies.
In a tense finish to overtime, the Celtics had a chance to tie, but the Knicks’ defensive adjustments, driven by Coach Tom Thibodeau, proved effective. The Knicks executed a foul strategy that tied up Boston’s late-game offense, culminating in a stolen inbound pass by Bridges that sealed the victory.
With the series poised to shift back to New York for Game 2 on Wednesday, the Knicks will aim to continue their momentum, while the Celtics look to rebound and level the series. The thrilling opener showcased not only the high stakes of playoff basketball but also the unpredictable nature of the tournament, setting the stage for an electrifying postseason.