In a packed TD Garden with 19,156 fans, the New York Knicks secured a narrow 108-105 victory over the Boston Celtics in overtime during Game 1 of the NBA playoffs on May 5, 2025. The intense, back-and-forth battle gave the Knicks a 1-0 series lead. Jalen Brunson, with 29 points, was the standout performer, while the Knicks’ collective effort capitalized on Boston’s mistakes, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime.
The Boston clash showcased the strength of the Knicks’ revamped roster, with decisive contributions from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Despite the Celtics’ early dominance, building a 20-point lead in the second quarter, the Knicks showed resilience to tie the game late in regulation. Overtime tested both teams’ nerves, with clutch shots and stout defense sealing the outcome.
- Key game points:
- Jalen Brunson led with 29 points and 5 assists.
- OG Anunoby scored 29 points, including critical three-pointers.
- Celtics grabbed 59 rebounds but shot just 35.1% from the field.
- Knicks hit 45.9% of their three-point attempts, compared to Boston’s 25%.
The matchup, officiated by Marc Davis, Ben Taylor, and J.B. DeRosa, was a basketball spectacle, with high-stakes moments promising a fiercely contested series. The next game, set for May 7, will again take place in Boston, where the Celtics aim to even the score.
Knicks’ early performance
In the first quarter, the Knicks started with energy, led by Josh Hart, who scored the opening points with a tip-in after an offensive rebound. Their defense, highlighted by Mikal Bridges’ block on Kristaps Porzingis, keptПарthe game close. Despite Boston’s strong start, with Derrick White hitting three-pointers, the Knicks ended the period at 25-26, staying competitive. Karl-Anthony Towns, with defensive rebounds and free throws, was vital in keeping the gap minimal. The opening quarter saw frequent lead changes, with the Knicks exploiting Jayson Tatum’s errant passes to stay in contention.
The Knicks’ defensive intensity, resulting in 10 steals throughout the game, began to take shape early. Their ability to turn turnovers into quick points, combined with mid-range shooting efficiency, allowed the visitors to hold their ground against the hostile crowd.
GAME 1 ✅ pic.twitter.com/RlA98Gz254
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 6, 2025
Celtics dominate second quarter
The second quarter was Boston’s strongest, as they built a significant lead. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard combined for 13 points, with Pritchard draining long-range shots that energized the TD Garden. The Knicks struggled with turnovers, including errant passes from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, which the Celtics converted into fast-break points.
The gap reached 16 points (45-61) by the end of the quarter, with Boston capitalizing on 84.6% of their free throws and dominating offensive rebounds. Al Horford, off the bench, added rebounds and free throws, while Jrue Holiday scored key layups. For the Knicks, only Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns maintained offensive rhythm, but their defense couldn’t stop Boston’s momentum.
- Second quarter numbers:
- Celtics: 35 points, 11 offensive rebounds.
- Knicks: 20 points, 4 turnovers.
- Payton Pritchard: 8 points, including a 30-foot three-pointer.
Knicks’ third-quarter comeback
The third quarter marked the Knicks’ resurgence. OG Anunoby took charge, hitting consecutive three-pointers that cut the deficit to under 10 points. Jalen Brunson, despite early miscues, found his groove, scoring 6 points and dishing out assists. The Knicks’ defense tightened, with Josh Hart stealing balls and sparking fast breaks.
The Celtics, who controlled the paint in the first half, began to feel the pressure. Jayson Tatum, though he hit two three-pointers, committed turnovers that proved costly. Boston’s 20-point lead shrank to 9 by the quarter’s end (75-84), with the Knicks shooting 45.9% from three, compared to Boston’s 25%.
The TD Garden’s energy waned as the Knicks gained confidence. Mitchell Robinson, off the bench, was crucial on defensive rebounds, limiting Boston’s second-chance opportunities. The third quarter closed with a three-pointer from Al Horford, but the Knicks had clearly regained momentum.
SAY GO NEW YORK GO NEW YORK GO pic.twitter.com/IWLcTFsZJD
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 6, 2025
Dramatic fourth-quarter tie
The fourth quarter was a true battle, with the Knicks tying the game at 89 after a Jalen Brunson three-pointer. OG Anunoby remained a lethal weapon, hitting another three to put the Knicks ahead for the first time since early in the game. The defense, led by Mikal Bridges, intensified its pressure on Jayson Tatum, who missed key shots late.
Boston responded with Jrue Holiday, who scored a layup to tie the game at 100-100 with under a minute left. The final possession of regulation ended with a missed shot by Jalen Brunson, forcing overtime.
- Key fourth-quarter moments:
- Jalen Brunson: 3 consecutive three-pointers.
- OG Anunoby: 7 points, including a dunk after a steal.
- Celtics: 5 offensive rebounds but only 16 points.
- Knicks: 25 points, with 60% field-goal accuracy.
The balance in the fourth quarter reflected the series’ intensity, with both teams trading baskets and committing tactical fouls to regain possession. The TD Garden crowd, though still loud, couldn’t rattle the Knicks, who showed poise in clutch moments.
Overtime seals Knicks’ victory
In overtime, the Knicks stayed composed, leaning on Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Bridges hit a crucial three-pointer, while Anunoby converted a dunk off a Josh Hart assist. Karl-Anthony Towns, despite five fouls, was decisive with a tip-in that put the Knicks up 108-102.
The Celtics fought back with Jaylen Brown, who hit a three to cut the gap to 108-105. However, the Knicks’ defense held firm in the final seconds, with Mikal Bridges stealing the ball from Brown on the last possession. The game ended with a 108-105 Knicks win, marking a memorable playoff debut.
- Overtime highlights:
- Mikal Bridges: 3 points and 1 steal.
- OG Anunoby: 3 points, including a dunk.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 2 points with a decisive tip-in.
- Jaylen Brown: 3 points but a turnover on the final possession.
Standout individual performances
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, despite 4 turnovers. His ability to hit three-pointers in clutch moments was pivotal to the comeback. OG Anunoby also shone, with 29 points and 6 three-pointers, plus 3 steals. Mikal Bridges, with 8 points and 7 assists, was vital on defense and in playmaking.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum led with 23 points and 16 rebounds but shot just 30.4% from the field. Jaylen Brown also scored 23 points but made critical errors in overtime. Derrick White added 19 points, including 5 three-pointers, but lacked consistency in the final period.
Knicks’ tactical strategies
The Knicks relied on aggressive defense, resulting in 10 steals and 15 points off turnovers. The bench, including Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson, brought energy, particularly on defensive rebounds. Coach Tom Thibodeau adjusted the defense in the second half, limiting Jaylen Brown’s drives and forcing Tatum into long-range shots.
Their 45.9% three-point shooting was a key factor, with 17 of 37 attempts made. Fluid ball movement, with 19 assists, allowed the Knicks to find open shooters, especially in the third and fourth quarters. Their resilience in overcoming a 20-point deficit underscored the team’s mental toughness.
Celtics’ strengths and weaknesses
The Celtics dominated rebounds, with 59 total, including 19 offensive, but struggled offensively, shooting just 35.1% from the field. Their reliance on three-pointers (15 of 60 attempts) hurt their attack, particularly in the second half. Payton Pritchard, off the bench, was a bright spot with 13 points, but Joe Mazzulla’s limited rotation couldn’t stop the Knicks’ rally.
Boston’s defense, with 5 blocks, was solid in the paint but allowed too many open three-pointers. Inconsistent play in the final minutes, with turnovers from Tatum and Brown, was decisive in the overtime loss.
Recent rivalry history
The Knicks-Celtics rivalry is one of the NBA’s most storied, dating back to the 1950s. Over the past five years, Boston has dominated, winning 12 of the last 15 regular-season matchups. However, the Knicks showed progress in the 2024-25 season, finishing with 51 wins compared to Boston’s league-leading 61.
Game 1 of the 2025 playoffs was their first postseason meeting since 2013, when the Celtics won 4-2. The Knicks’ win in Boston’s TD Garden signals a shift in dynamics, with their bolstered roster featuring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges proving capable of challenging the reigning champions.
Upcoming series games
Game 2 is set for May 7 at TD Garden, starting at 8 p.m. The Celtics, with a 28-13 home record in the regular season, will look to tie the series before it shifts to New York. Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for May 10 and 12 at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will have home-court support.
- Upcoming game schedule:
- Game 2: May 7, Boston, 8 p.m.
- Game 3: May 10, New York, time TBD.
- Game 4: May 12, New York, time TBD.
- Game 5 (if necessary): May 14, Boston.
The series, potentially extending to seven games, promises to be one of the most competitive in the first round, with both teams showcasing talent and well-defined strategies. The Knicks, with the early edge, have a chance to solidify their position at home.
Game 2 factors
The Celtics must improve their shooting, especially from three-point range, to avoid another close game. Defensive adjustments against OG Anunoby, who exploited open looks, will be critical. Joe Mazzulla may opt for a deeper rotation, giving more minutes to players like Sam Hauser or Luke Kornet.
For the Knicks, maintaining defensive aggression and three-point efficiency is key. Jalen Brunson, who faced heavy defensive pressure, must continue leading the offense, while Karl-Anthony Towns needs to avoid unnecessary fouls to stay on the court. The confidence gained from Game 1 could be a factor in Boston.
Game trivia
Game 1 marked the Knicks’ first playoff win in Boston since 2011, snapping a five-game postseason losing streak at TD Garden. The game also saw the Celtics attempt a franchise-record 60 three-pointers in a playoff game, though with poor accuracy.
- Notable facts:
- Jalen Brunson became the first Knicks player since Carmelo Anthony in 2013 to score 29 points and hit 5 three-pointers in a Game 1 playoff.
- Mikal Bridges recorded 3 steals, matching his personal playoff best.
- TD Garden hosted 19,156 fans, the largest crowd of the season for the Celtics.
Series significance for the season
The Game 1 win gives the Knicks a crucial psychological edge, especially against a team that finished the regular season with the NBA’s best record (61-21). For the Celtics, the loss is a wake-up call for urgent adjustments as they aim to defend their 2024 title. The matchup, pitting two of the East’s top teams, could set the tone for the rest of the conference playoffs.
