The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 108-105 in overtime in Game 1 of their second-round NBA Playoffs series. The Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to secure the win, marking their first victory against the Celtics, Cleveland, or Oklahoma City this season after going 0-10 against these teams in the regular season.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 29 points. Key plays from Mikal Bridges helped secure the win. The Celtics struggled with their 3-point shooting, missing a playoff-record 45 three-point shots and shooting just 25% from beyond the arc.

Boston's offense struggled down the stretch, with the team shooting just 35.1% from the field. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White made NBA playoff history as the first pair of teammates to take 15 or more 3-pointers each in a playoff game. Tatum finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 4-of-15 from three, while White had 19 points and went 5-of-16 from downtown.

Kristaps Porzingis missed the majority of the game due to an illness, and Sam Hauser suffered a knee injury, impacting Boston's depth. The Celtics’ reliance on 3-point shots, especially when they weren't falling, contributed to their loss, highlighting a need for a “Plan B.”

The Knicks' defense, led by Anunoby and Bridges, played a crucial role in the comeback. Anunoby contributed key steals and dunks, while Bridges made critical defensive plays in overtime, including a game-sealing steal from Jaylen Brown. The Knicks also capitalized on corner 3-pointers, shooting 7-for-11 from those spots.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau made strategic adjustments, and the team executed better in clutch moments. Brunson's scoring and playmaking were essential, while contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride were also vital.

After the game, Jalen Brunson trolled a reporter, showcasing the team's confidence. The Knicks proved doubters wrong, demonstrating resilience and teamwork to secure the victory on the road. The Knicks' win marked their fourth consecutive postseason road win, a feat they hadn't achieved since 1999, and their first playoff victory against a reigning champion since 1994.

Joe Mazzulla expressed satisfaction with the shot selection, despite the high number of missed 3-pointers, drawing criticism for not adjusting the game plan. Jaylen Brown acknowledged that the Knicks dared them to shoot threes, and they didn't make them, suggesting a need to get inside and draw fouls instead. The Celtics now hold both the best and worst three-point records, highlighting their volatile offense. The team tied the record for most three-point shots made in a single NBA game against the Knicks on October 22, 2024, and now hold the record for most missed three-point shots in a playoff game, also against the Knicks.

Game 2 is scheduled for May 7, and the Celtics will aim to even the series before it shifts to New York.