Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Full Game Highlights and Recap: Knicks Stun Celtics with Historic Comeback in Game 1 Overtime Thriller

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Full Game Highlights and Recap: On a wild Monday night in Boston, the New York Knicks authored one of the most remarkable playoff comebacks in franchise history, erasing a 20-point deficit to snatch a 108-105 overtime victory in Game 1 of their second-round series.

The Celtics, once cruising with a 16-point halftime lead, were left stunned at TD Garden as the Knicks stormed back and flipped the script on a night that saw Boston set a grim NBA playoff record.

The defining moment came in the dying seconds of overtime, when Mikal Bridges made the defensive play of the night—ripping the ball straight out of Jaylen Brown’s hands after the inbounds pass, sealing the game and giving the Knicks a 1-0 series lead.

Bridges logged a grueling 51 minutes, chipping in eight points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks. Though he struggled from the field (3-for-13), his clutch three midway through OT gave New York a crucial six-point cushion.

Brunson, Anunoby Fuel the Comeback

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each erupted for 29 points, carrying the Knicks down the stretch. Brunson came alive in the second half with 20 points and drilled 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, while Anunoby poured in 23 points after the break, going 6-for-11 from deep and 10-of-20 overall. Josh Hart contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, adding grit and hustle over 45 minutes of action.

New York was sluggish early, trailing by 20 in the third, but they clawed back with ferocity. The Knicks outscored the Celtics 25-16 in the fourth quarter to force overtime. It was their fourth consecutive road playoff win—tying a long-standing franchise record and shifting momentum in the series.

Celtics’ Cold Night from Deep Sets Record

Boston’s downfall came via a catastrophic shooting night from long range. The Celtics launched 60 threes and missed 45 of them—a new NBA playoff record. They hit just 25% from deep, and it haunted them down the stretch.

Jayson Tatum put up 23 points on 7-of-23 shooting and went just 4-for-15 from beyond the arc. He grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out six assists but faded late, scoring only four points on 1-for-8 shooting in the fourth and overtime. Jaylen Brown also finished with 23 points but shot 2-for-9 after halftime and hit only one of his ten three-point attempts.

Kristaps Porzingis played just 13 minutes before leaving the game due to illness, and Sam Hauser exited after a brief four-minute stint with a sprained ankle—adding to Boston’s woes.

Final Moments: Drama and Defense

As the fourth quarter neared its close, Brunson relentlessly targeted Al Horford in the pick-and-roll, creating open looks and finding Anunoby for a clutch corner triple that gave New York a 100-98 lead. Though Boston responded with a Jrue Holiday layup to tie it at 100, the Knicks had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Brunson’s layup rolled off the glass.

In overtime, Brunson drilled another big three, but Boston responded with a 7-0 run to briefly retake the lead. Then came the turning point: Bridges’ timely triple, followed by his game-saving steal on Brown.

Boston had one last chance with three seconds left in OT after a foul on Brown before he could shoot a three. A timeout was called, but the Celtics couldn’t get off a clean look, and the game slipped away.

Final Thoughts

The Celtics now find themselves reeling, their home-court advantage stolen and their perimeter shooting woes laid bare for all to see. Game 2 looms on Wednesday, and questions about Boston’s execution under pressure—and reliance on the three-ball—will dominate headlines.

As for the Knicks, their resilience is becoming their calling card. Four straight road playoff wins, a masterclass in second-half adjustments, and a Game 1 steal in one of the NBA’s toughest venues? New York has arrived—battle-tested, defiant, and ready to write the next chapter in what could be a defining playoff run.