New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Player Stats, May 5, 2025: Complete Box Score and Game Analysis
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks took place at TD Garden on May 5, 2025. After overcoming a sizable hole, the Knicks prevailed 108-105 in overtime to take a 1-0 series lead.
Knicks vs. Celtics Player Stats Match
The much-anticipated May 5, 2025, Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks stood up to, if not exceeded, the expectation. Game 1, which took place at Boston’s famous TD Garden, featured a fierce matchup between two of the NBA’s most legendary teams. As underdogs going into the game, the Knicks shocked the top-seeded Celtics with a thrilling overtime win of 108-105, taking home-court advantage and taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The way the Knicks obtained the victory was what really set this game apart. They fell behind by as many as 20 points at one point in the third quarter, and it seemed like the Celtics had total control, controlling both ends of the court. While Boston’s offense, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, appeared flowing and successful in the early going, their defense was suffocating.
However, halfway through the third quarter, there was a significant change in the momentum. In what could only be called a breakout run, OG Anunoby exploded from beyond the arc, making six three-pointers. His shooting gave the Knicks’ offense, which had been struggling to establish rhythm up until that moment, fresh vitality. Boston’s once-comfortable lead was reduced to single digits going into the fourth quarter as the Knicks finished the period with newfound vigor.
During the last quarter, Jalen Brunson assumed leadership. The All-Star guard performed with composure and assurance, helping teammates and making key baskets while keeping the opposition off balance. The Celtics and their supporters were shocked by the Knicks’ incredible turn of events when they tied the game with less than a minute remaining in regulation and forced overtime.
Both sides engaged in tough and strategic basketball play during overtime, which turned into a defensive contest. Key opportunities were lost by the Celtics, including two costly mistakes and other wide-open looks. Conversely, the Knicks took advantage of every error. With seconds remaining, Mikal Bridges intercepted a vital inbound pass to effectively seal the victory, providing the game’s pivotal moment.
As the Knicks players embraced at midcourt, the TD Garden’s roaring optimism gave way to a startled hush. This victory for the Knicks was about more than just establishing a series lead; it was about perseverance, faith, and not giving up in the face of intense playoff pressure. Tom Thibodeau’s outstanding coaching, mental toughness, and the kind of team basketball that typically characterizes championship-caliber teams were all on show.
The series may change course as a result of this Game 1 victory. In addition to providing the Knicks with early momentum, it highlights the Celtics’ weaknesses in their strategy, especially their over dependence on perimeter shooting and their incapacity to finish games under duress. Now that the Knicks have home-court advantage, the Celtics must win Game 2, and New York will try to increase their lead and make their dreams of making it to the Eastern Conference Finals a reality.
Boston Celtics vs. Knicks team box scores Player Stats for the Match
The New York Knicks:
- Three-point percentage: 45.9%; field goal percentage: 42.5%
- 81.8% is the percentage of free throws.
- 49 rebounds and 21 assists
- 13 turnovers
Boston Celtics:
- 35.1% is their field goal percentage.
- 25.0% is the three-point percentage.
- 80.0% is the free throw percentage.
- 59 rebounds, 24 assists, and 14 turnovers
Best Individual Players: Boston Celtics vs. Knicks Stats for the Match Player
New York Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson: 29 points (9/23 FG), 6 assists, 5 rebounds
- OG Anunoby: 24 points (6/11 3PT), 7 rebounds
- Josh Hart: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
- Mikal Bridges: 12 points, 3 steals, including the game-sealing steal in overtime
Boston Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum: 23 points (7/23 FG), 11 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jaylen Brown: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- Derrick White: 17 points, 6 assists
- Al Horford: 12 points, 10 rebounds
Every quarter Dissection
- 1st Quarter: Celtics 26 – Knicks 25
- 2nd Quarter: Celtics 35 – Knicks 20
- 3rd Quarter: Knicks 30 – Celtics 23
- 4th Quarter: Knicks 25 – Celtics 16
- Overtime: Knicks 8 – Celtics 5
The Celtics led 61-45 at the break after establishing a sizable lead in the first half. But the Knicks showed tenacity and will by outscoring the Celtics 55-39 in the second half and overtime.
Player Stats for the New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Match Match
Key individual performances and tactical changes propelled the Knicks’ comeback. Jalen Brunson’s leadership in the fourth quarter maintained the momentum, while OG Anunoby’s three-point shooting in the third quarter helped to reduce the margin. In the closing seconds, Mikal Bridges demonstrated his defensive brilliance by making a crucial steal to seal the victory.
The Knicks reduced the Celtics to 16 points in the fourth quarter after stepping up their defensive play in the second half. Boston was unable to hold the advantage because of their shooting problems, especially from beyond the arc (25.0% 3PT). The Celtics’ inside presence was further hurt by the early departure of Kristaps Porzingis due to sickness.
Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges were among the Knicks’ bench players who made significant contributions at pivotal times. The team’s turnaround was greatly aided by coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive systems and rotations.
In Conclusion
The Knicks’ tenacity and tactical skill were demonstrated in their 108-105 overtime victory over the Celtics in Game 1. The team’s ability to bounce back from a 20-point deficit while traveling demonstrates its resilience and flexibility. Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby all had crucial outings that helped the comeback.
The Celtics’ defeat emphasizes how crucial it is to remain composed and execute well throughout the game. In the next games, it will be critical to address shooting inefficiency and adjust to the Knicks’ defensive tactics.
Read More: Knicks Vs Pacers Match Player Stats
Both teams are going to have to adjust as the series goes on. The Celtics will try to recover and tie the series, while the Knicks will try to maintain their momentum. As these Eastern Conference rivals continue their playoff struggle, Game 2 is sure to be an exciting matchup.
FAQs
What time does Game 2 start?
A: The second game will take place at Boston’s TD Garden on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
What was the pivotal moment in Game 1?
A: The Knicks changed the pace and prepared for their comeback with a three-point shooting explosion in the third quarter, spearheaded by OG Anunoby.
What was the Celtics’ three-point shooting performance?
A: In Game 1, the Celtics had trouble shooting from outside the arc, shooting 25.0% (15/60).
Did Game 1 feature any notable injuries or absences?
A: The Celtics’ inside presence and rebounding efforts were greatly reduced when Kristaps Porziņģis left the game early due to sickness. In overtime, when the Celtics were having trouble securing defensive stops in the paint, his absence was particularly noticeable.
Who was the game’s player?
A: A number of Knicks players contributed significantly, but OG Anunoby’s outstanding third-quarter performance earned him the title of player of the game. His six three-pointers during that time frame set the tone for the remainder of the game and were crucial to the Knicks’ comeback.
What can we anticipate from the second game?
A: There should be significantly more competition in Game 2. To prevent going behind 0–2 in the series at home, the Celtics will probably play with more vigor. The Knicks will attempt to duplicate their defensive ferocity and clutch shooting in an attempt to build on the momentum of their victory in Game 1. Boston may reestablish equilibrium with Porziņģis’ possible return, but New York’s confidence is quite high following the Game 1 win.
Concluding Remarks
One of the Knicks’ most memorable postseason performances in recent memory will be their triumph in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2025. The thrilling 108-105 overtime victory over a formidable Boston Celtics team demonstrated not only skill but also perseverance, collaboration, and a will to keep going even when down by 20 points away from home.
This game demonstrated that the Knicks are contenders with depth, leadership, and the capacity to drastically change games, not merely postseason participants. As the series goes on, supporters of both teams can anticipate more intense activity.
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