Knicks Shock Celtics in Overtime Thriller, Nuggets Steal Win in OKC

The NBA playoffs delivered a night of stunning upsets and nail-biting finishes as the New York Knicks orchestrated a remarkable comeback against the defending champion Boston Celtics, while the Denver Nuggets, showing championship mettle, snatched a victory on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In Boston, the Celtics, who seemed poised to cruise to victory after building a commanding 20-point lead in the third quarter, suffered a stunning collapse as the Knicks rallied for a 108-105 overtime triumph. Boston’s struggles from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 15 for 60 (25%) from three-point range, opened the door for New York’s resurgence. Jalen Brunson, with a stellar 29-point performance, and OG Anunoby, who also tallied 29 points while hitting 6 of 11 three-pointers, spearheaded the Knicks’ charge.

New York erased the deficit and tied the game with 7:25 remaining in regulation, setting the stage for a breathtaking back-and-forth battle. Brunson’s clutch shooting, which included two deep three-pointers, initially gave the Knicks a six-point advantage. However, the Celtics battled back, reclaiming the lead briefly before relinquishing it again. Jrue Holiday (16 points) evened the score with 50 seconds left on the clock.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum (23 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists), who earlier in the game surpassed Paul Pierce to become the fifth-leading scorer in Celtics playoff history, missed a potential go-ahead jumper in the closing seconds. Brunson then attempted a floater that appeared to be within his range, but the shot fell short, sending the game into overtime.

In the extra period, the Knicks finally seized control, fueled by Anunoby and Mikal Bridges’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc, and a timely put-back basket by Karl-Anthony Towns (14 points, 13 rebounds).

"We left some of their best shooters open. We need to improve on some details," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla lamented after the game.

Boston had one last opportunity to tie the game, but Bridges made a crucial steal from Jaylen Brown (23 points), sealing a significant road victory for the Knicks. This win comes on the heels of their first-round series victory over the Detroit Pistons (4-2), where they swept all three games on Detroit’s home court. The Knicks now hold a crucial psychological advantage heading into Game 2, which will be held in Boston at TD Garden.

In Oklahoma City, the Denver Nuggets displayed their championship pedigree, overcoming fatigue and a hostile environment to steal a 121-119 victory against the Thunder. Aaron Gordon’s dramatic three-pointer with three seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner.

The Thunder, the top seed in the Western Conference after a stellar regular season and a first-round sweep of Memphis, controlled the game for the majority of the contest, leading by as many as 14 points. However, they failed to deliver a knockout blow and ultimately faltered against the experienced Nuggets, who were fresh off a hard-fought Game 7 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers just two days prior. The Thunder, on the other hand, had been resting for eight days.

Oklahoma City held a 13-point lead with 6:39 left in the fourth quarter but then suffered a crippling offensive drought, scoring only 12 more points in the remainder of the game, with Gilgeous-Alexander accounting for 10 of those points.

Reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic was once again dominant, delivering a monstrous performance with 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists. Gordon (22 points, 14 rebounds) provided crucial support, capping off his performance with the game-winning shot, reminiscent of his clutch basket against the Clippers in the previous round.

"We managed to stay mentally strong. I didn’t get the impression that anyone faltered. You have to know how to create opportunities for yourself, and that’s what we did," Nuggets coach David Adelman said. Adelman has been filling in for Michael Malone for the past month.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP candidate, put up impressive numbers with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, but he struggled with his shooting efficiency, hitting just 12 of 26 attempts. Chet Holmgren, the talented young center for the Thunder, missed two crucial free throws with ten seconds remaining, further contributing to Oklahoma City’s downfall.

The Knicks’ victory represents a significant statement in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Brunson’s leadership and scoring prowess, combined with Anunoby’s two-way impact, make them a dangerous opponent for any team. If they can replicate their defensive intensity and capitalize on Boston’s shooting woes, they have a real chance to make a deep playoff run.

For the Celtics, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Their over-reliance on three-point shooting and lack of consistent offensive production beyond Tatum and Brown proved costly. They will need to find ways to generate easier baskets and improve their shot selection if they hope to regain control of the series.

The Nuggets’ win in Oklahoma City underscores their resilience and championship experience. Jokic’s dominance continues to be the driving force, but the contributions of players like Gordon, who are capable of making game-changing plays, are essential to their success.

The Thunder, despite the loss, remain a formidable team. Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance and Holmgren’s potential make them a force to be reckoned with. However, they will need to learn from this experience and demonstrate greater composure in close games if they want to contend for a championship.

Both the Knicks-Celtics and Nuggets-Thunder series promise to be thrilling matchups, with each game likely to be decided by small margins. The performances of key players, strategic adjustments by the coaches, and the ability to maintain focus under pressure will ultimately determine the outcome of these compelling playoff battles.