The New York Knicks stunned the NBA world Monday night, rallying from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108-105 in overtime and take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 29 points, anchoring a comeback that showcased New York’s growing maturity and toughness under pressure. Brunson shook off a sluggish first half to deliver clutch baskets down the stretch, while Anunoby’s two-way brilliance disrupted Boston’s rhythm before he left late in regulation with a hamstring injury.

The Knicks, who shot 46% from three and 42.5% from the field, stayed calm even as TD Garden threatened to explode. Donte DiVincenzo buried a critical overtime three-pointer, and New York’s defense stiffened, forcing Boston into low-percentage looks and empty possessions when it mattered most.

Meanwhile, the Celtics — a team many pegged as title favorites — looked uncharacteristically rattled. Jayson Tatum finished with 23 points and a playoff career-high 16 rebounds but struggled to find his shooting touch, going just 7-for-23 from the floor. Jaylen Brown added 22 points, but Boston’s offense sputtered late, and the team shot a miserable 35% overall and just 25% (15-for-60) from beyond the arc.

The night got worse for the Celtics when Kristaps Porziņģis exited after only 13 minutes of play, battling what the team called "an illness." Without their towering big man, Boston’s defense softened inside, and the Knicks pounced.



5 Key Takeaways: Game 1

1. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby Were Big-Time
Both Brunson and Anunoby dropped 29 points, carrying the Knicks offensively when it mattered most. Brunson shook off early struggles to dominate late-game possessions, while Anunoby’s defense and floor spacing were critical before his hamstring injury forced him out.

2. Celtics’ Shooting Woes Crushed Their Chances
Boston shot a brutal 35% from the field and 25% from deep (15-for-60), one of their worst offensive showings of the playoffs. Even with Tatum pulling down 16 rebounds, the missed shots stacked up — and cost them dearly.

3. Knicks' Efficiency Was the Difference
New York shot 46% from three and 42.5% overall. Every time Boston made a mini-run, the Knicks answered with a dagger — whether it was DiVincenzo’s clutch overtime three or Brunson’s cold-blooded mid-range work.

4. Porziņģis’ Early Exit Changed the Game
Kristaps Porziņģis leaving after only 13 minutes due to illness completely shifted Boston’s interior defense. Without his size and rim protection, the Knicks attacked the basket with more confidence down the stretch.

5. New York Has Seized Control of the Series
Stealing Game 1 in Boston is massive. The Knicks now control the tempo and momentum. With Boston rattled and Porziņģis’ health in question, New York has a real shot to take command — and possibly close this series faster than anyone predicted.


This win wasn’t a fluke — it was a message.
New York didn't just steal homecourt advantage; they stole Boston’s air of invincibility. With Brunson’s poise, DiVincenzo’s fearless shooting, and a suddenly deep and battle-tested roster, the Knicks are no longer the underdog story — they're a legitimate threat to knock off the East’s No. 1 seed.

Boston now faces real pressure heading into Game 2. If they can’t rediscover their offensive identity — and get healthy fast — this could become the Knicks' series to win.

In front of a silenced TD Garden crowd, the Knicks planted their flag. The series has officially begun.