On May 5, 2025, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics faced off in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden. The Knicks emerged victorious with a 108-105 overtime win, overcoming a significant deficit to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Game Overview: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
The highly anticipated Eastern Conference Semifinal clash between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics on May 5, 2025, lived up to every bit of the hype—and perhaps even exceeded it. Played at the iconic TD Garden in Boston, Game 1 saw an intense battle between two of the most storied franchises in NBA history. The Knicks, entering the game as underdogs, stunned the top-seeded Celtics with a dramatic 108–105 overtime victory, stealing home-court advantage and seizing a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
What made this game so remarkable was the manner in which the Knicks pulled off the win. At one point in the third quarter, they trailed by as many as 20 points, and it appeared the Celtics were in complete control, dominating both ends of the floor. Boston’s defense was suffocating early, while their offense, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, seemed fluid and effective.
However, the momentum took a decisive shift midway through the third quarter. OG Anunoby caught fire from beyond the arc, draining six three-pointers in what could only be described as a breakout stretch. His sharpshooting breathed new life into the Knicks’ offense, which until that point had struggled to find rhythm. The Knicks closed the quarter with renewed energy, shrinking Boston’s once-comfortable lead to single digits heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter, Jalen Brunson took command. The All-Star guard executed with poise and confidence, scoring timely buckets and assisting teammates while keeping the defense guessing. With under a minute left in regulation, the Knicks tied the game and forced overtime—a stunning turn of events that left the Celtics and their fans in disbelief.
Overtime was a defensive battle, with both teams playing physical and strategic basketball. The Celtics missed key opportunities, including several wide-open looks and a pair of costly turnovers. The Knicks, on the other hand, capitalized on every mistake. Mikal Bridges delivered the defining moment of the game when he intercepted a crucial inbound pass with seconds left, effectively sealing the victory.
The energy inside TD Garden went from roaring confidence to stunned silence, as Knicks players embraced each other at midcourt. For the Knicks, this win wasn’t just about taking a series lead—it was about resilience, belief, and refusing to fold in a high-pressure playoff environment. It was a display of mental toughness, elite coaching from Tom Thibodeau, and the type of team basketball that often defines championship-caliber squads.
This Game 1 win could prove to be a turning point in the series. Not only does it give the Knicks early momentum, but it also exposes vulnerabilities in the Celtics’ game plan—particularly their over-reliance on perimeter shooting and their inability to close out games when under pressure. With the Knicks now having taken home-court advantage, Game 2 becomes a must-win for the Celtics, while New York will look to extend their lead and push their Eastern Conference Finals hopes further into reality.
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Team Box Scores: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
>New York Knicks:
- Field Goal Percentage: 42.5%
- Three-Point Percentage: 45.9%
- Free Throw Percentage: 81.8%
- Rebounds: 49
- Assists: 21
- Turnovers: 13
>Boston Celtics:
- Field Goal Percentage: 35.1%
- Three-Point Percentage: 25.0%
- Free Throw Percentage: 80.0%
- Rebounds: 59
- Assists: 24
- Turnovers: 14
Top Individual Performers: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
New York Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson: 29 points (9/23 FG), 6 assists, 5 rebounds
- OG Anunoby: 24 points (6/11 3PT), 7 rebounds
- Josh Hart: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
- Mikal Bridges: 12 points, 3 steals, including the game-sealing steal in overtime
Boston Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum: 23 points (7/23 FG), 11 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jaylen Brown: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- Derrick White: 17 points, 6 assists
- Al Horford: 12 points, 10 rebounds
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- 1st Quarter: Celtics 26 – Knicks 25
- 2nd Quarter: Celtics 35 – Knicks 20
- 3rd Quarter: Knicks 30 – Celtics 23
- 4th Quarter: Knicks 25 – Celtics 16
- Overtime: Knicks 8 – Celtics 5
The Celtics built a substantial lead in the first half, entering halftime with a 61-45 advantage. However, the Knicks outscored the Celtics 55-39 in the second half and overtime, showcasing resilience and determination.
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Game Analysis: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
The Knicks’ comeback was fueled by strategic adjustments and key individual performances. OG Anunoby’s three-point shooting in the third quarter narrowed the deficit, while Jalen Brunson’s leadership in the fourth quarter kept the momentum going. Mikal Bridges’ defensive prowess was evident in the final moments, securing the win with a critical steal.
Defensively, the Knicks intensified their efforts in the second half, limiting the Celtics to 16 points in the fourth quarter. Boston’s shooting woes, particularly from beyond the arc (25.0% 3PT), contributed to their inability to maintain the lead. The absence of Kristaps Porzingis, who exited early due to illness, also impacted the Celtics’ interior presence.
The Knicks’ bench provided valuable contributions, with players like Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges stepping up in crucial moments. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotations and defensive schemes played a significant role in the team’s turnaround.
Conclusion
The Knicks’ 108-105 overtime victory over the Celtics in Game 1 was a testament to their resilience and strategic execution. Overcoming a 20-point deficit on the road highlights the team’s mental toughness and adaptability. Key performances from OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges were instrumental in the comeback.
For the Celtics, the loss underscores the importance of maintaining composure and execution throughout the game. Addressing shooting inefficiencies and adapting to the Knicks’ defensive strategies will be crucial in the upcoming games.
As the series progresses, both teams will need to make adjustments. The Knicks will aim to build on their momentum, while the Celtics will look to bounce back and even the series. Game 2 promises to be a compelling contest as these Eastern Conference rivals continue their playoff battle.
FAQs
Q: When is Game 2 scheduled?
A: Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston.
Q: What was the key turning point in Game 1?
A: The Knicks’ third-quarter surge, led by OG Anunoby’s three-point shooting, shifted the momentum and set the stage for their comeback.
Q: How did the Celtics perform from the three-point line?
A: The Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 25.0% (15/60) in Game 1.
Q: Were there any significant absences or injuries in Game 1?
A: Yes, Kristaps Porziņģis exited the game early due to an illness, which significantly weakened the Celtics’ interior presence and rebounding efforts. His absence was felt, especially in overtime when the Celtics struggled to secure defensive stops in the paint.
Q: Who was the player of the game?
A: While several Knicks players made critical contributions, OG Anunoby stood out as the player of the game for his explosive third-quarter performance. His six three-pointers in that period were essential to the Knicks’ comeback and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Q: What can we expect from Game 2?
A: Game 2 is expected to be even more competitive. The Celtics will likely come out with greater intensity to avoid falling behind 0–2 in the series at home. The Knicks will try to ride the momentum of their Game 1 win and will look to replicate their defensive intensity and clutch shooting. With Porziņģis potentially returning, Boston could regain balance, but New York’s confidence is sky-high after the Game 1 victory.
Final Thoughts
The Knicks’ victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2025, will go down as one of their most memorable playoff performances in recent history. The 108–105 overtime thriller against a tough Boston Celtics squad didn’t just showcase skill, but also grit, teamwork, and a refusal to quit even when down by 20 points on the road.
This game proved that the Knicks are not just playoff participants—they’re contenders with depth, leadership, and the ability to turn games around in dramatic fashion. Fans of both teams can look forward to more high-stakes action as the series progresses.
