Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with foul trouble early.
New York trailed by 20 points midway through the third frame over the defending champion Boston Celtics.
After a grueling playoff opener against the Detroit Pistons, everything seemed working against the Knicks' favor.
Until it wasn’t.
Mikal Bridges made up for a poor offensive outing with a clutch defensive effort, helping New York rally in overtime to stun Boston and seize a series head start in their East semifinal showdown.
[ALSO READ: Knicks steal home-court advantage in Game 1, complete 20-point comeback vs. Celtics]
Bridges, who played 51 minutes overall, ripped the ball from reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in the game’s final possession to preserve a gutsy victory on the road.
He blocked a Jrue Holiday shot clock heave earlier before a solid steal led to an OG Anunoby’s fast break slam and-one that gave New York a 103-100 lead in overtime.
Bridges then hit a clutch corner triple with under 2:30 left to play, making it a 106-100 advantage for the Knicks.
The 20-point comeback marked the largest Knick playoff comeback since the play-by-by era (1996-97).
“Those are big-time toughness plays. The ball's up in the air, it's a 50-50 ball and just go get it and that’s what he did,” New York head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke on Bridges’ outing.
Coach Thibs on Mikal Bridges down the stretch:
— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025
"Those are big-time toughness plays... 50/50 ball, just go get it and that's what he did." 👏
The 28-year-old finished with just eight points, but had seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
“He got big stops. He made big-time shots and kept playing hard,” OG Anunoby, who fired 29 points, added on Bridges.
Knicks team captain Jalen Brunson racked up 29 points, including 20 in the second half alone. He had a chance to win the game in regulation, but missed a short bank shot.
“We told each other to just keep believing. Just keep fighting and sticking together, and keep chipping away. There wasn’t going to be a 20-point shot," Brunson said.
Yes, indeed as the Knicks gutted this one out by outscoring the Celtics, 63-45, in the final three quarters including overtime.
New York now aims for a commanding 2-0 series lead with Game 2 taking place on Thursday, May 8.
“This team has fought all year. We’re a pretty good road team. We have to endure some things with [our] guys being out. Overtime, it helps us to build mental toughness,” Thibodeau said.
He insisted: “There’s much emotional highness and lowness in the playoffs, but no matter what happens you have to keep moving forward.”
