**Knicks Stun Celtics in Overtime Thriller to Open Playoff Series**
The New York Knicks delivered a stunning upset against the Boston Celtics in the opening game of their second-round NBA Playoffs series on Monday night. Overcoming a daunting 20-point deficit, the Knicks forced overtime and secured a 108-105 victory in a game marked by Boston’s struggles from beyond the arc, where they missed an astonishing 45 three-point attempts.
Jalen Brunson nearly clinched the win in regulation, reminiscent of his clutch performance in the first round against the Detroit Pistons. With mere seconds left on the clock, Karl-Anthony Towns set him up with a perfect pass as he drove toward the basket. However, Brunson’s floater over Al Horford lacked the finesse needed, bouncing off the rim and sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Knicks capitalized on their fourth-quarter momentum, where they outscored the Celtics 25-18. OG Anunoby, who had previously hit a crucial three-pointer to help force overtime, made a powerful dunk and converted an and-one free throw, giving New York a 103-100 lead.
Anunoby matched Brunson’s scoring output with 29 points, shooting 10-of-20 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. The Knicks extended their lead to six points when Mikal Bridges drained a 23-foot three-pointer, silencing the TD Garden crowd. Jayson Tatum finally got the Celtics on the board in overtime, but Towns responded with a tipped shot to maintain the Knicks’ six-point advantage with 1:47 left.
The Celtics showed signs of life when Jaylen Brown hit a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to three points. However, they could not force a second overtime as Bridges intercepted Brown’s inbound pass at the buzzer. Bridges played a pivotal role, logging 51 minutes and contributing two crucial blocked shots in overtime.
The Celtics’ shooting woes were evident throughout the game, particularly from three-point range, where they typically excel. They finished the night with a team shooting percentage of just 35.1%. Tatum struggled, going 7-of-23 from the field, including 4-of-15 from three, while Brown managed only 1-of-10 from beyond the arc, finishing with 23 points thanks to strong free-throw shooting.
For the Knicks, Towns recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Hart added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Off the bench, Miles “Deuce” McBride contributed 11 points.
This thrilling matchup sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting series between these historic rivals.
**FAQ**
*What was the key moment in the Knicks vs. Celtics game?*
The key moment was Jalen Brunson’s missed floater at the buzzer in regulation, which led to overtime, where the Knicks ultimately secured the win.