Key insights from the Celtics-Knicks Game 1 surprise victory

A surprising overtime victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics has left basketball fans buzzing. The Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit, thanks to a relentless 31-11 run and some clutch defensive plays by Mikal Bridges. Despite the Celtics’ dominance during the regular season against the Knicks, the underdog squad flipped the script on them at TD Garden. This game laid bare both teams' strengths and vulnerabilities, spotlighting Boston's concerning reliance on perimeter shooting and New York’s opportunistic defense. In a contrast of styles, this unexpected upset sets an intriguing tone for the rest of the 2025 playoffs.

How the Knicks’ 20-Point Comeback Changed the Celtics-Knicks Series Narrative

The Knicks' tenacity after a slow start was the story of the night. Falling behind by 20, New York unleashed a stunning 31-11 run to claw back and force overtime, where key buckets from Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns sealed the deal. Key contributors OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson carried the offensive load, combining for 58 points primarily in the latter stages when New York outscored Boston 53-30. The Knicks’ defense, often spotlighted for hustle rather than highlight play, disrupted Boston's flow, forcing multiple turnovers and denying transition opportunities for the Celtics despite their 130.2 points per 100 possessions in the regular season.

Key Factors Behind the Knicks' Comeback Drive

• Relentless defense: Bridges’ timely steals and deflections caused critical momentum shifts.
• Clutch shooting: Brunson and Anunoby combined for high-percentage shots during crunch time.
• Star power stepping up: Towns and Bridges’ overtime performances were decisive.
• Exploiting Celtics' inside-out mismatch: Attacking Al Horford, who struggled to keep pace at 38 years old.
• Maximizing corner 3s: Knicks drained 7 of 11 corner threes, a sweet spot the Celtics usually defend tightly.

Boston Celtics’ Overwhelming but Inefficient Offense

The Celtics’ offensive strategy leaned heavily on 3-point shooting, attempting an unprecedented 60 threes in this single playoff game and setting NBA records for both attempts and misses beyond the arc. Shooting a dismal 25% (15-for-60), they missed 45 three-pointers, showing a dangerous overreliance on the deep shot that backfired mightily. When not firing from deep, Boston posted a better shooting percentage inside the arc with a second quarter scoring burst (0.8 points per shot inside). However, their second-half shot selection became stubborn and stagnant, spurning more efficient drives and free-throw opportunities as Jaylen Brown rightly pointed out.

How Boston’s Shot Selection Cost Them the Game

• Over 60% of shots came from three-point range, defying playoff tendencies for more balanced offense.
• Jayson Tatum’s off-the-dribble 3 attempts: 14 out of his 15 attempts from deep were off the dribble, often rushed or contested.
• Limited aggression inside: Just 7 two-point attempts and 6 free throws in the second half show a lack of drive.
• Failure to break the Knicks’ momentum: Settling for deep jump shots allowed New York to close the gap.
• Absences and injuries: Kristaps Porziņģis’ illness and Sam Hauser’s ankle injury disrupted Boston’s rotation and depth.

Mikal Bridges and Knicks’ Defense: Turning Point in Overtime

Mikal Bridges may not have filled the stats sheet with gaudy numbers, but his defensive impact was undeniably the Knicks’ secret weapon. His ability to deflect passes and make fast-break plays in clutch moments halted several Boston scoring chances—most notably a steal off Jaylen Brown on the final possession to seal the game. Og Anunoby’s close defense on Jayson Tatum also helped temper one of Boston’s most reliable scorers. This defensive grit counters the Celtics’ usual offensive firepower and highlights the Knicks' strategic adjustments after a tough 0-10 regular-season record against Boston and other top teams.

Mikal Bridges’ Defensive Highlights in Game 1

• Final possession steal: Stopped Celtics’ late-out-of-bounds play with a clean steal off Jaylen Brown.
• Key deflections and disrupts: Poked away passes and saved balls out of bounds in overtime.
• Defending Jayson Tatum: Assisted OG Anunoby in limiting Tatum’s efficiency in clutch moments.
• Transition defense: Prevented easy Boston fast-break points despite their speed advantage.
• Setting the tone: His presence forced Boston to adjust their offensive sets and shot selection.

Injuries and Rotations: Boston’s Thin Margins in Crucial Moments

The Celtics’ lineup instability hurt their closing efforts. Kristaps Porziņģis, battling illness, missed the second half, while Sam Hauser exited early with an ankle injury. These setbacks, coupled with Boston’s tendency to rest star players in crunch defensive moments, left cracks the Knicks exploited. Late substitutions with Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson on the floor didn't translate into crucial stops. Tom Thibodeau’s use of fouls and timeouts in the final seconds showed savvy game management, and the Knicks took full advantage, shifting the momentum decisively in overtime.

How Injuries and Rotations Shaped the Final Stretch

• Porziņģis’ absence: Boston lost rim protection and offensive versatility down the stretch.
• Hauser’s injury impact: Weakened Celtics’ perimeter shooting options and floor spacing.
• Star players resting in crunch time: Boston's key players were occasionally off-court during crucial defensive possessions.
• Timeout decisions: Celtics’ late timeouts couldn’t bait an error after Thibodeau’s foul management.
• Knicks’ hustle: Outworked Boston in rebounds and loose ball situations during final minutes.

For deeper playoff context and analyzing NBA playoff brackets, this game sets a new storyline that shifts expectations for the rest of the postseason. Fans and bettors alike can dive into top NBA bets and predictions with this upset in mind.