NBA Conference SF: Knicks stun Celtics in OT; Jokic leads Nuggets past Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 1 thrillers with late-game heroics.
Knicks 108–105 Celtics (OT): New York Stuns Boston with Epic Comeback in Game 1
The New York Knicks overturned a 20-point deficit and survived overtime to defeat the defending champion Boston Celtics 108–105 in a wild Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night.
Brunson and Anunoby Lead the Charge
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each delivered 29 points, with Brunson scoring 11 in the fourth quarter alone to pull the Knicks back into contention. OG’s and-one dunk and Mikal Bridges’ clutch three-pointer in overtime proved decisive.
Celtics Collapse from Deep
The Celtics looked in control for much of the game, leading 61–45 at halftime. But they faltered down the stretch, finishing with an NBA playoff-record 45 missed three-pointers. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each had 23 points, while Kristaps Porzingis didn’t return after halftime due to illness.
Boston had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds of OT, but Mikal Bridges stripped the ball from Jaylen Brown on the inbound play, sealing a memorable Knicks win at TD Garden.
Nuggets 121–119 Thunder: Jokic Powers Denver to Stunning Win in Oklahoma City
Nikola Jokic put together a monster stat line and Aaron Gordon hit the game-winning shot as the Denver Nuggets rallied to edge the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 121–119 in a dramatic Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Jokic Dominates in the Paint
Jokic was unstoppable, posting 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists in a performance that overwhelmed the Thunder defense. Despite trailing by 13 in the fourth quarter, Denver closed the game on a 19–6 run.
Gordon’s Heroics and Thunder’s Missed Opportunity
After Chet Holmgren missed two free throws that could’ve put the game away, Gordon drained a clutch three-pointer with seconds remaining. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it wasn’t enough.
Russell Westbrook, playing his first playoff game in Oklahoma City as a visitor, made his presence felt with a crucial late-game assist on Gordon’s winner.
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