Knicks erase 20-point deficit, shock Celtics with overtime win in Game 1

The New York Knicks pulled off an impressive comeback against the Boston Celtics in their second-round NBA Playoffs series opener on Monday night. Despite being down by 20 points, the Knicks managed to force overtime and secure a 108-105 victory over the Celtics, who struggled with their three-point shooting, missing a total of 45 attempts.

Jalen Brunson almost became the hero with a buzzer-beater, reminiscent of his performance in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons in the first round. However, his shot over Al Horford didn’t go in, sending the game into overtime. The Knicks capitalized on their momentum from the fourth quarter, outscoring the Celtics 25-18 in the extra period.

OG Anunoby played a crucial role for the Knicks, matching Brunson’s 29 points and making key plays down the stretch. Mikal Bridges also contributed with a clutch three-pointer to extend New York’s lead. Despite a late rally by the Celtics, the Knicks held on for the win, thanks in part to Bridges’ defensive efforts.

The Celtics struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, finishing at 35.1% as a team. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had off nights, but Tatum still managed to put up impressive numbers despite his shooting struggles.

The Knicks had standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Miles “Deuce” McBride, showcasing their depth and resilience in a hard-fought victory. The game sets the stage for an exciting series between these historic rivals in the NBA Playoffs.