New York Knicks snatch Game 1 victory from Boston Celtics, securing home court advantage in Eastern Conference NBA playoffs.

Rewritten Article:

New York Knicks triumphed over Boston Celtics with a thrilling 108-105 overtime win in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series, thanks to heroics by Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and a clutch defensive performance from Mikal Bridges. The Knicks stormed back from a 20-point deficit in the third quarter, highlighting their grit and resilience.

Monday night saw the visiting Knicks pull off a magnificent comeback, erasing a 20-point deficit in the third quarter, and securing the win when Bridges stole the ball from Jaylen Brown in the dying seconds of overtime.

Rewarding Recap

"This team has been a fighter all season and a reliable road crew," Coach Tom Thibodeau proudly boasted post-game. "One win doesn't make a series, but it's a good start. There's a lot of ups and downs in the playoffs, but you've got to keep pushing forward."

The game was action-packed, with Brunson tying the score at 89 with a three-pointer, Bridges giving the Knicks their first lead in the second quarter, and his clutch three-pointer during overtime, extending New York's advantage to six points. Boston fought back with a 7-0 run, but the Knicks didn't give up, staying disciplined and focused.

In the crucial moments of the game, Anunoby delivered with a dynamic dunk and a foul shot, and Bridges sealed the victory with a timely three-pointer.

"Defense, toughness, teamwork - it's all crucial in a playoff game," Thibodeau emphasized, acknowledging the impact that defensive tenacity had on the win.

Pivotal Performances

Karl-Anthony Towns, despite fouling out early, still managed 14 points and 13 rebounds in 31 minutes, while Josh Hart contributed 14 points and 11 boards. Bridges also stepped up, logging eight points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals across 51 of the possible 53 minutes.

On the Celtics' side, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both scored 23 points, with Tatum also hauling in 16 rebounds. Derrick White added 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Absences and Adjustments

Kristaps Porzingis was scoreless in 13 minutes during the first half and didn't play in the final two quarters due to an illness. Meanwhile, Sam Hauser went to the locker room with an ankle injury with 28.5 seconds remaining in the third quarter and didn't return.

"Obviously, Porzingis' abilities at both ends of the floor are missed," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla admitted, looking ahead to Game 2.

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Struggles and Silver Linings

The Celtics were on fire in the first half, shooting 54.2% and outscoring New York by 15 points to take a commanding 61-45 halftime lead. The Knicks struggled from the free-throw line in the first half, converting just 8 of their 19 attempts. However, the Knicks elevated their performance in the second half, showcasing their toughness and togetherness. Their determination and superior perimeter shooting accuracy broke the Celtics' momentum, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory for the visiting team.

Hopefully, the Knicks' grit and resilience displayed in the Game 1 victory over the Celtics can translate into a successful run in the Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series.
Jalen Brunson's heroics, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the score, played a significant role in the Knicks' comeback victory in Game 1.
In a thrilling overtime win, Mikal Bridges sealed the victory for the New York Knicks with a clutch three-pointer, extending their advantage to six points.
The absence of Kristaps Porzingis due to an illness and Sam Hauser with an ankle injury during Game 1 could potentially impact the Knicks' performance in upcoming games.
Although the Celtics performed well in the first half, the Knicks' determination and superior perimeter shooting accuracy broke Boston's momentum, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory for New York in Game 1.