Knicks Stun Celtics in Game 1 Behind Brunson and Anunoby’s 29-Point Performances

New York Knicks Rally from 20-Point Deficit to Stun Celtics in Game 1 Overtime

BOSTON, MA – May 5, 2025

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each poured in 29 points, and Mikal Bridges sealed the deal with a last-second steal as the New York Knicks shocked the defending champion Boston Celtics 108-105 in overtime in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, helping New York erase a 20-point second-half deficit at TD Garden. The Knicks, who were swept by Boston in the regular season, now take a 1-0 series lead back to Madison Square Garden.

Celtics Collapse Behind Record Misses From Deep

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 23 points, but Boston’s downfall came from beyond the arc. The Celtics hoisted an NBA postseason-record 60 three-point attempts, missing 45 of them. Even more staggering: they missed 32 of 45 uncontested looks, according to ESPN tracking.

“Some of ’em felt good, some of ’em felt like we maybe forced the issue,” Brown admitted postgame after going just 1-for-10 from deep. “Definitely our rhythm and our timing was a little bit off.”

Boston’s final attempt came after a frantic last-minute rebound and timeout, but Mikal Bridges picked off the inbounds pass to ice the win.

New York Takes Control in Overtime

In overtime, the Knicks wasted no time, opening up a 106-100 lead behind a three-point play by Anunoby and a deep triple from Bridges. Though Brown answered with a three of his own, Boston couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Knicks outscored Boston 20-9 to close the third quarter, then opened the fourth with an 8-0 run. Anunoby’s steal-and-score tied the game at 86, and the momentum never shifted back.

Porzingis Sidelined, Holiday Returns

Kristaps Porzingis played just 13 minutes before being ruled out with an illness. Jrue Holiday returned to action after a hamstring strain and tallied 16 points in 39 minutes, while Derrick White added 19 points and 11 rebounds.

What’s Next

The Celtics will look to rebound in Game 2 and avoid a disastrous 0-2 hole before heading to New York. But they’ll need to reassess their approach from beyond the arc after Monday night’s historic misfire.