The New York Knicks have turned the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals into a showcase of relentless determination, pulling off two historic 20-point comebacks in Games 1 and 2 to seize a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics. In a series that has flipped expectations, the Knicks have dismantled the defending champions on their home court, leveraging suffocating defense and clutch performances to make NBA history. For Knicks fans, these victories are a testament to the team’s evolution into a legitimate contender, silencing doubters and setting the stage for a pivotal return to Madison Square Garden.
Game 1: A Gritty Overtime Upset
Game 1 on May 5, 2025, at TD Garden was a masterclass in perseverance. The Celtics, who dominated the Knicks 4-0 in the regular season, surged to a 20-point lead in the third quarter, fueled by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s early scoring. Boston’s offense, known for its three-point barrage, seemed unstoppable, and the home crowd sensed a rout. But the Knicks, coached by Tom Thibodeau, had other plans.
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby anchored a furious fourth-quarter rally, combining for 39 points in the final 22 minutes of regulation. New York outscored Boston 45-25 in the fourth, erasing the deficit with a blend of lockdown defense and timely buckets. Anunoby’s steal and dunk tied the game at 86, forcing overtime. In the extra period, Anunoby struck first with a three-point play, followed by a critical three from Mikal Bridges. With seconds remaining, Bridges sealed the 108-105 win by intercepting Brown’s inbounds pass, leaving Boston stunned. The Celtics’ 15-for-60 three-point shooting, including a playoff-record 45 misses, underscored their collapse, while the Knicks’ resilience set the tone for the series.
Game 2: A Defensive Masterpiece
Game 2 on May 7 was an even more improbable triumph. Boston, desperate to avoid another meltdown, built a 20-point lead by the third quarter, 73-53, behind Derrick White’s 20 points and Jaylen Brown’s 20. The Knicks struggled early, going scoreless for nearly five minutes to open the game, and the Celtics appeared to have learned their lesson. Yet, New York’s fourth-quarter defense flipped the script.
The Knicks held Boston without a field goal for over eight minutes in the final period, sparking a 21-4 run. Mikal Bridges, scoreless through three quarters, exploded for 14 points in the fourth, including clutch shots that shifted momentum. Josh Hart led with 23 points and relentless energy, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 17 rebounds, dominating the paint. With 18 seconds left, Tatum’s coast-to-coast dunk gave Boston a one-point lead, but Brunson answered with two free throws to put New York up 91-90. On the final play, Bridges blocked Tatum’s corner jumper, securing the one-point victory. The Knicks became the first team in NBA playoff history to overcome 20-point deficits in consecutive games, a feat amplified by the stage and opponent.
Driving Forces Behind the Comebacks
New York’s success hinges on a stifling defense that has exposed Boston’s overreliance on three-point shooting. Across Games 1 and 2, the Knicks outscored the Celtics 63-39 in the fourth quarter and overtime, limiting Boston to 25% from three (25-for-100). Mitchell Robinson’s rim protection has been pivotal, with a plus-19 rating in 22 minutes in Game 2. Bridges and Anunoby have disrupted Boston’s perimeter game, holding Tatum to 36 points on 10-for-37 shooting through two games. Kristaps Porzingis, hampered by illness, has been a non-factor, further tilting the frontcourt battle in New York’s favor.
Offensively, the Knicks have leaned on balanced contributions. Brunson, despite a 5-for-17 shooting night in Game 2, has delivered in clutch moments, while Bridges’ Game 2 outburst showcased his two-way value. Towns has answered critics with consistent production, and Hart’s hustle—23 points and countless loose balls—has embodied the team’s identity. Thibodeau’s decision to play his starters heavy minutes has paid dividends, with the Knicks outlasting a Boston team that has faltered late.
A Historic Moment for New York
These comebacks mark a turning point for the Knicks, who were dismissed as underdogs after their regular-season struggles against Boston. The victories make New York the first team in the NBA’s play-by-play era to win two games in a single postseason after trailing by 20 points. The defensive tenacity and composure under pressure reflect a team that has matured since last year’s playoff run, with newcomers like Towns and Bridges seamlessly integrating into Thibodeau’s system.
Looking Ahead to MSG
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on May 10, the Knicks hold a commanding position. Boston, now facing a must-win road game, must recalibrate its offense and rediscover its championship poise. The Celtics’ 25% three-point shooting and Tatum’s struggles are glaring issues, but their road success in recent playoffs makes them dangerous. For New York, maintaining defensive intensity and capitalizing on home-court energy will be key to pushing Boston to the brink.
Knicks fans have every reason to be energized. This team is not just winning—it’s rewriting the narrative, proving it can hang with the NBA’s elite. With a chance to take a 3-0 lead at MSG, the Knicks are two wins from their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. The road ahead is tough, but after two historic comebacks in Boston, New York is playing with the confidence of a team ready to make a deep playoff run.
