In a thrilling start to their second-round NBA Playoffs series, the New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics with a remarkable comeback victory on Monday night. Trailing by 20 points at one point, the Knicks forced overtime and ultimately secured a 108-105 win. This notable triumph was marked by Boston’s significant struggles from beyond the arc, highlighted by a staggering 45 missed three-point attempts. Jalen Brunson nearly clinched the game in regulation but couldn’t convert a crucial floater against Al Horford, leading to overtime where the Knicks capitalized on their momentum.
In a critical fourth quarter, the Knicks outscored the Celtics 25-18, paving the way for their overtime success. OG Anunoby played a vital role, contributing a key three-pointer and finishing with an impressive 29 points, mirroring Brunson’s contribution. His clutch dunk and subsequent free throw helped the Knicks take a 103-100 lead late in the extra period. Mikal Bridges further intensified the Celtics’ woes with a stunning 23-foot three-pointer, sending shocks through the TD Garden crowd and extending New York’s lead.
The Celtics, known for their sharp three-point shooting, struggled significantly throughout the game, particularly in the second half. Star player Jayson Tatum had a rough outing, shooting just 7-of-23, including a disappointing 4-of-15 from three-point range. He managed to secure 23 points, alongside 16 rebounds and six assists, but it was not enough to turn the tide. His teammate Jaylen Brown also faced difficulties, going 1-of-10 from the three-point line and not finding his shooting rhythm at key moments.
Towns, in addition to his scoring, made his mark on the game with 14 points and 13 rebounds, achieving a double-double. Josh Hart showcased his tenacity on the boards, finishing with 11 rebounds and contributing 14 points. Off the bench, Miles “Deuce” McBride made a solid impact, adding another 11 points to the Knicks’ total. Each player’s effort was crucial in overcoming the Celtics’ significant lead and eventually sealing the win.
As the game progressed, the Celtics showed signs of life, with Brown finally hitting a late three-pointer to narrow the gap. However, their efforts fell short as the Knicks maintained composure in the final moments. Bridges played a pivotal defensive role, stripping an inbound pass at the buzzer to secure the victory. With two crucial blocked shots in overtime, his performance exemplified the Knicks’ defensive tenacity and determination to clinch the win.
This game not only serves as a testament to the Knicks’ resilience but also sets the stage for what promises to be a classic rivalry series against the Celtics. Both teams will be looking to adjust their strategies as the playoffs continue, with the Knicks riding high on this momentum. With a blend of strong individual performances and collective determination, the series is shaping up to be a closely contested battle, adding another chapter to their storied history.
