Boston, MA – Might 6, 2025 – The New York Knicks pulled off a surprising upset in Recreation 1 of the 2025 NBA Japanese Convention semifinals, overcoming a 20-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the defending champion Boston Celtics 108-105 in time beyond regulation on Might 5 at TD Backyard. The victory, marking the Knicks’ largest playoff comeback within the play-by-play period, gave New York a 1-0 sequence lead of their first postseason conflict with Boston since 2013.
Recreation Recap
The Celtics dominated early, main by as many as 20 factors within the third quarter behind their signature 3-point barrage, making an attempt a playoff-record 60 threes. Nevertheless, Boston’s taking pictures went chilly, ending 15-for-60 (25%) from deep, together with 5-for-25 from stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who every scored 23 factors. The Knicks capitalized, outscoring Boston 45-25 to shut regulation, with a 31-11 run within the fourth quarter tying the sport.
In time beyond regulation, Jalen Brunson (29 factors, 5 assists, 11 factors within the fourth) and OG Anunoby (29 factors, 4 rebounds) led the cost, whereas Mikal Bridges sealed the win with a vital steal from Brown as time expired. Josh Hart’s relentless power and clutch performs, together with six offensive rebounds, have been pivotal. Karl-Anthony Cities, regardless of foul bother, contributed key rebounds and late-game threes.
Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis exited at halftime because of an sickness, hampering their dimension benefit. The Celtics’ 35.1% discipline purpose share was a season low, and their incapacity to transform open seems to be allowed New York to remain within the recreation. Coach Joe Mazzulla defended the shot choice, stating, “The method of our shot high quality was good,” however acknowledged missed alternatives.
Key Performances
- Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson: 29 factors, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, clutch fourth-quarter scoring.
- OG Anunoby: 29 factors, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, robust protection on Tatum.
- Mikal Bridges: 51 minutes, game-sealing steal, 3-pointer in OT.
- Josh Hart: Double-digit rebounds, 6 offensive, high-energy performs.
- Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum: 23 factors, 7 rebounds, 3-for-17 from three.
- Jaylen Brown: 23 factors, 10 rebounds, 2-for-8 from three.
- Derrick White: 18 factors, 4 assists, however quiet in crunch time.
Strategic Breakdown
The Knicks’ switching protection, orchestrated by coach Tom Thibodeau, disrupted Boston’s rhythm, significantly within the second half. New York’s physicality and hustle—led by Hart and Bridges—neutralized Boston’s pick-and-roll assault concentrating on Cities, who confronted 134 pick-and-rolls within the common season. The Knicks’ means to restrict Boston’s 3-point effectivity, regardless of the excessive quantity, was essential. New York’s offense, reliant on midrange and hustle performs, outlasted Boston’s faltering 3-point technique.
Boston’s regular-season dominance over New York (4-0, 16.3-point common margin) made the upset much more surprising. The Celtics had averaged 125 factors per recreation towards the Knicks, led by Tatum’s 33.5 factors on 53.5% taking pictures. Nevertheless, New York’s defensive changes and Brunson’s clutch play flipped the script.
Social Media Buzz
The comeback despatched X right into a frenzy. @MrBuckBuckNBA famous the Knicks’ historic 20-point rally, crediting Brunson and Anunoby. @rcarthen praised Bridges’ 51-minute effort and defensive heroics, whereas @nbabet known as the rally “mind-blowing.” Some posts, like @riggubknowsball’s exaggerated declare of a 50-point blowout, mirrored fan pleasure however have been inaccurate. The sentiment underscored New York’s grit and Boston’s surprising collapse.
Sequence Outlook
The Knicks’ Recreation 1 street win, their first in a playoff sequence since 1999, shifts momentum because the sequence continues in Boston for Recreation 2 on Might 7 (7 p.m. ET, TNT). Boston, favored by 9 factors in Recreation 1, faces stress to regulate, with Porzingis’ standing unsure. ESPN’s specialists overwhelmingly predict a Celtics sequence win (12 of 13 choosing Boston, most in 5-6 video games), however New York’s resilience suggests a aggressive battle. The Knicks’ means to “muck up” the sport, as famous by The Athletic, might problem Boston’s high-octane offense.
Historic Context
This marks the seventeenth playoff assembly between the Celtics and Knicks, the second-most frequent matchup in NBA historical past. Boston leads the all-time sequence 9-7, however New York’s Recreation 1 victory remembers their 2013 first-round upset. The Knicks’ final Japanese Convention Finals look was in 2000, whereas Boston goals for a fourth straight convention finals berth.
The Knicks’ inconceivable comeback, fueled by grit and well timed protection, has set the stage for an exciting sequence. For stay updates, test NBA.com or The Athletic’s protection.
