The New York Knicks were big underdogs in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semis against the Boston Celtics, but New York found a way to pull off the win. This game delivered in every possible way as the Knicks erased a 20-point second half deficit to force overtime, and the game came down to the final possession in OT. The Knicks ended up winning the game 108-105, and the Madison Square Garden watch party went crazy when the final horn blew.

Mikal Bridges came up with the clutch steal on the final possession to seal the win. The Celtics had a chance to tie it with a three with just three seconds left, but Bridges played the inbounds pass perfectly.

This game was tight for the first quarter and a half as both teams traded blows before the Celtics pulled away to end the first half. Boston led 38-37 in with a little under eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, and the Celtics ended up finishing the half on a 23-8 run. Boston took a 16-point lead into the break, and fans at TD Garden were feeling good.

Boston came out strong in the third quarter as well, and it looked like the Celtics were going to cruise to an easy Game 1 win. It was 72-52 around the halfway mark of the third quarter, but that is when the Knicks started to make their comeback.

Article Continues Below
Related New York Knicks News
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Tom Thibodeau sounds off on Knicks’ anti-Tyrese Haliburton tacticNathan Yasis ·
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers.
Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns reveals 3-word message behind Game 5 winJosh Davis ·
Featured image Jalen Brunson Karl-Anthony Towns
Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns gives Jalen Brunson his flowers for Game 5 heroicsDylan Fine ·
Former NBA player JR Smith looks on from the 3rd hole during the third round of the Tour Championship golf tournament.
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Receives J.R. Smith’s Championship BlessingJosh Davis ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) stands on court during the second quarter against the New York Knicks of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton makes striking admission after Game 5 clunkerNathan Yasis ·
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the second quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns’ response to Charles Barkley’s ‘dumb’ questionAlex House ·

New York went on a massive 34-14 run to tie the game up at 86 with a little under seven and a half minutes remaining, and the game was back-and-forth from that point on. Both teams ended up having looks to take the lead late in regulation, but neither could capitalize, and the game went to overtime.

Mikal Bridges was the hero in overtime for the Knicks as his defense and clutch shot-making anchored New York to the victory. He made a huge three to put the Knicks up by six at one point, and then his steal sealed the victory.

Now, the Knicks have the home-court advantage in this series after taking a 1-0 lead. Stealing one of the first two games on the road is huge, and New York will have a chance to take complete control of the series in Game 2.

Game 2 between the Celtics and Knicks will go down at 7:00 ET on Wednesday night from TD Garden in Boston, and the game will be airing on TNT, truTV and Max. The Celtics are favored by 9.5 points.