The Underdog New York Knicks Beat Boston Celtics 108-105, In Thrilling Overtime Win In Game 1 of Eastern Conference Semifinals

By Tiffany Williams –

On Monday night, the Boston Celtics faced off against the New York Knicks in game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden in Boston. After an intense series victory over the Orlando Magic in five games, the Celtics were looking to carry their momentum forward. However, in a stunning upset, the underdog Knicks managed to claim a thrilling 108-105 win in overtime.

For Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each led the way with 23 points, showcasing their scoring prowess despite inconsistent shooting. Tatum struggled from the field, going 7-for-23 with a mere 4-for-15 from beyond the arc, but still contributed significantly with 16 defensive rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block. Brown faced similar shooting challenges, finishing 7-for-20 overall and sinking just one of ten three-point attempts, but he was effective at the free-throw line, making eight of ten. He also tallied two offensive rebounds, five defensive rebounds, and five assists.

Derrick White added 19 points to the scoreboard, but it was a rough night for his shooting as well; he managed just 6-for-18 overall and 5-for-16 from three. However, his defensive presence was felt, notching ten rebounds along with two assists and two blocks. 

Returning to the starting lineup after a strained right hamstring sidelined him for the last three games against Orlando, Jrue Holiday played a vital role, contributing 16 points on 7-for-14 shooting. He made a pair of three-pointers and was active on the boards with five offensive rebounds, along with a defensive rebound and three assists. 

Off the bench, Payton Pritchard impressed during his 24 minutes of play, scoring eight points on 3-for-6 shooting, including two three-pointers, while going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed three defensive rebounds and dished out one assist.

The veteran duo of Luke Kornet and Al Horford combined for 11 points, with Horford going 2-for-6 from the field and contributing three offensive rebounds, four defensive boards, and one block. Kornet added two field goals along with his own solid contributions on the glass.

As a team, Boston struggled from beyond the arc, making only 15 of 60 attempts and shooting 22 of 26 from the free-throw line. They managed 34 points in the paint, capitalized on eight fast break opportunities, and tallied 24 second chance points alongside 15 points off turnovers.

In sharp contrast, the Knicks demonstrated a more efficient shooting performance from three, sinking 17 of 37 attempts, while finishing 17 of 31 from the charity stripe and 37 of 87 from the field. Their offensive aggression paid off in the form of 17 points off turnovers, 36 points in the paint, and 20 second-chance points, along with ten fast break points.

For New York, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson were the standout performers, each scoring 29 points. Anunoby showcased his shooting skills, going 10-for-20, hitting six of 11 three-pointers, and sinking three of four free throws while also collecting one offensive rebound, three defensive rebounds, three assists, and recording a steal. Brunson, while less efficient at 9-for-23 from the field, hit five of nine three-pointers and excelled at the line, going 6-for-7. He also contributed one offensive rebound, three defensive rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns provided strong support, combining for 28 points. Hart shot 5-for-9 from the field, made one of five three-pointers, and finished the night with five offensive rebounds and six defensive rebounds, adding three assists and two steals. Towns, efficient with 6-for-13 shooting, added crucial defensive efforts with four offensive rebounds and nine defensive boards.

Miles McBride came off the bench to add 11 points, shooting 4-for-8 from the field and connecting on three of six three-point attempts. He also made his mark with two defensive rebounds, one assist, and one steal. 

Mikal Bridges logged a remarkable 51 minutes in the game, the most of any player on either team, and chipped in eight points. Despite a challenging shooting night (3-for-13 from the field and 2-for-5 from three), he was instrumental defensively with six defensive rebounds, seven assists, and three steals while adding two blocks. Mitchell Robinson contributed three points and focused efforts on the boards with one offensive rebound and six defensive rebounds.

The game was a rollercoaster for the Celtics, who at one point held a commanding 20-point lead. However, as the Knicks showcased their resilience with a powerful third quarter, they surged back to take the lead in the fourth. Boston fought valiantly to level the score and force overtime, but their struggles persisted in the extra session.

In overtime, the Knicks struck first, extending their lead to 106-100 after a clutch three-point play by Anunoby, followed by a three-pointer from Bridges. Brown managed to sink a critical three-pointer from the wing with just over a minute remaining—his only successful attempt in his ten attempts from deep—narrowing the gap to 108-105.

As the clock wound down, Josh Hart missed a deep three-pointer, and although Tatum missed a jumper, the Celtics were able to recover the rebound. With just three seconds left, a foul against Towns prompted Boston to call a crucial timeout.

However, Bridges made a game-saving play by intercepting the inbounds pass from Brown, sealing a dramatic victory for the Knicks and leaving the Celtics searching for answers.

Final Thoughts:

In a gripping showdown that lived up to the fierce rivalry between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals unfolded like an epic tale, laden with momentum shifts, staunch defensive stands, and heart-pounding drama. The New York Knicks entered the hallowed grounds of TD Garden as the overlooked underdogs but emerged triumphant, securing a vital 108-105 overtime victory. This clash was a testament to the Knicks’ depth, resilience, and unshakeable composure during the game’s most intense moments. Conversely, the Celtics are left grappling with lingering questions after squandering a commanding 20-point lead, struggling with their long-range shooting, and faltering in critical game scenarios.

Can the Knicks clinch the series in four or five games—and if so, how?

It’s certainly within the realm of possibility, though achieving this would necessitate flawless execution of their strategy alongside continued misfires from Boston. Here’s how the Knicks could realistically pull off a quick series win:

Sustained Three-Point Efficiency:

The Knicks demonstrated sharpshooting prowess, connecting on 17 of 37 attempts from beyond the arc for an impressive 46%. With standout performances from OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and Miles McBride, who were all locked in, maintaining this level of perimeter shooting could create significant challenges for the Celtics, who left themselves vulnerable by conceding numerous open looks.

Defensive Pressure and Physicality:

Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby unleashed relentless energy on the defensive end, with Bridges playing a pivotal role in disrupting Boston’s intricate passing lanes and fluid ball movement, despite his offensive struggles. If the Knicks manage to continue stifling Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown into a series of tough, inefficient shots while forcing turnovers as they did late in Game One, they can effectively demoralize Boston’s offensive rhythm.

Rebounding and Second-Chance Dominance:

The Knicks tallied an impressive 20 second-chance points, bolstered by a dominating 16 offensive rebounds. Contributions from Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and even their smaller guards were crucial in controlling the glass. By consistently winning these hustle stats, New York not only secures additional possessions but also wears down Boston’s frontline.

Clutch Execution:

In the tense moments of both regulation and overtime, the Knicks showcased poise and composure while the Celtics appeared fragmented. Key plays—such as Anunoby’s crucial three-point play and Bridges’ game-saving steal—demonstrated New York’s ability to make the essential winning plays. If this trend continues, they could easily wrap up the series in a short span.

Boston’s Continued Shooting Woes:

Should the Celtics remain unable to find their shooting rhythm from beyond the arc (making only 15 of 60 attempts in Game One), and continue to rely too heavily on isolation plays, they will fall right into New York’s defensive strategy. Without significant adjustments, Boston risks allowing the Knicks to capitalize on their weaknesses.

Can the Celtics rebound and emerge victorious in five or six games?

Absolutely, the Celtics are armed with the talent and depth essential to not only recover but to seize control of the series—but it will require substantial improvements and tactical shifts. Here’s what needs to happen:

Better Shot Selection and Offensive Cohesion:

Far too often, Boston settled for contested three-point attempts early in shot clocks. By redistributing the ball more effectively, attacking mismatches with vigor, and generating higher-quality looks close to the basket, they can transform their offensive dynamic. A more aggressive Tatum, who attacks downhill instead of settling for jump shots, is essential.

Utilize Jrue Holiday as a Two-Way Anchor:

Despite recently returning from injury, Jrue Holiday displayed flashes of brilliance. His efficient scoring and tenacious defense are invaluable assets. Leaning more heavily on his ability to stabilize the offense, initiate ball movement, and defend against Brunson could significantly shift the game’s momentum.

Clean Up Rebounding and Second-Chance Defense:

Conceding 20 second-chance points and an alarming 16 offensive rebounds is simply unacceptable for a team vying for a championship. Al Horford and Luke Kornet will need substantial assistance; Boston may have to adopt a larger lineup or exert greater effort in boxing out.

Bench Contributions and Rotational Tweaks:

Payton Pritchard delivered quality minutes, and Joe Mazzulla might consider extending his playing time or incorporating Sam Hauser to enhance their spacing on the floor. A strategic shakeup could inject energy and sharpen their rotations.

Mental Toughness and Game Management:

Squandering a 20-point lead at home highlights glaring lapses in focus and leadership. Brown and Tatum must not only score but also take command by rallying their teammates, making wise decisions, and maintaining composure under pressure. They cannot allow frustration to mar their body language or execution.

Defend the Perimeter Relentlessly:

New York must not be allowed to replicate their success from beyond the arc with another 17 three-pointer performance. Boston must ensure rapid closeouts, fight through screens with tenacity, and limit catch-and-shoot chances. This entails sticking closely to Anunoby and McBride on switches and constraining Brunson’s off-the-dribble looks.

Who holds the upper hand now?

With their Game One victory on the road, the Knicks have established a significant advantage—not merely on the scoreboard but in the psychological realm. They have laid bare Boston’s vulnerabilities, quieted the raucous TD Garden crowd, and underscored their capability to perform under pressure. However, the Celtics still boast a more talented roster on paper. The critical question remains: can they shake off their self-inflicted wounds, adapt their strategy, and rise to the occasion?

This series is far from over. Game Two is a critical must-win for Boston. Should the Celtics falter again on their home court, the series may quickly spiral out of their control, potentially finishing in five games. Yet, if they can adjust and regain their focus, they could very well shift the momentum back in their favor.