The New York Knicks pulled off a thrilling 108-105 overtime victory against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night. This win gives the Knicks a 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for an exciting matchup ahead.
OG Anunoby was the standout player for the Knicks, scoring 29 points and making a significant impact in the second half. His defense was equally impressive as he held Celtics star Jayson Tatum to just 10 points during that same period, including overtime. Anunoby’s performance was crucial in securing the win for New York.
On the other hand, the game highlighted some struggles for the Knicks as well. Mitchell Robinson faced difficulties, particularly with his free-throw shooting. The Celtics employed a strategy that targeted him, forcing him to take shots from the line. Unfortunately for Robinson, he only made 3 of 10 attempts, which hindered his effectiveness on the court.
Mikal Bridges, despite having a tough night, emerged as an unsung hero in overtime. He made key plays, including a block and a steal that led to an important dunk by Anunoby, giving the Knicks a crucial three-point lead. Bridges also hit a critical three-pointer, extending the lead to six points. His final steal sealed the game, preventing the Celtics from tying it up in the closing moments.
The Celtics struggled significantly from beyond the arc, missing 45 three-point attempts, which set a record for the playoffs. Derrick White and Jayson Tatum were particularly off, shooting 5-for-16 and 4-for-15, respectively. This poor shooting performance proved to be a major factor in their defeat.
After the game, Mikal Bridges reflected on his late-game contributions, saying, “The basketball gods blessed me for just staying with it.” His determination and resilience were evident as he helped guide the Knicks to their hard-fought victory.
As the series continues, both teams will look to adjust and find ways to capitalize on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. The Knicks will aim to build on this momentum, while the Celtics will be eager to bounce back in the next game.