Knicks vs. Celtics
In a game that will be remembered as one of the wildest postseason openers in recent memory, the New York Knicks clawed their way back from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 118-115 in overtime, stealing Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup on the road.
The TD Garden crowd watched in disbelief as the Celtics, who had dominated for most of the first three quarters, saw their lead evaporate in the final stretch. Jalen Brunson spearheaded the Knicks’ furious comeback, scoring 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including a clutch three-pointer to tie the game with 11 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 31 points and Jaylen Brown’s 27, had looked poised to cruise to victory early. Their ball movement was crisp, their defense suffocating, and the energy in the building electric as they built a 70-50 lead midway through the third quarter. But New York’s defense tightened, and their bench, led by Immanuel Quickley and Josh Hart, sparked a surge that turned the momentum.
“Resilience. That’s our identity,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “We didn’t back down, even when things looked rough. I’m proud of how we fought.”
Overtime was a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets. Tied at 115 with 20 seconds to go, the Knicks executed a patient final possession that saw Julius Randle draw a double-team and kick it out to Donte DiVincenzo, who buried a three with 1.8 seconds left on the clock.
Boston’s final attempt—a contested corner jumper from Tatum—clanged off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
“It hurts,” Tatum said postgame. “We let that one slip. We’ve got to close better.”
The Knicks now hold a 1–0 series lead and have seized home-court advantage heading into Game 2. It’s a tough pill for the Celtics, who entered the series as favorites but now face a renewed New York squad brimming with confidence.
Tip-off for Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Boston, where the Celtics will try to even the series before it shifts to Madison Square Garden.
