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NBA Playoffs: Knicks Stun Celtics, Nuggets Steal Game 1
Table of Contents
Knicks Edge Celtics in Overtime Thriller
BOSTON – The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108-105 in overtime Sunday, stealing Game 1 on the road. New York, who lost all four regular-season matchups against Boston, proved the playoffs are a different beast.
Jalen Brunson and Og Anunoby each scored 29 points to lead the Knicks’ comeback. However, Mikal Bridges emerged as the hero in overtime, hitting a crucial 3-pointer and sealing the victory with a game-saving steal from Jaylen Brown on Boston’s final possession. Neither team managed to score in the final minute of the extra period.
MIKAL BRIDGES STEAL TO SEAL GAME 1 FOR THE KNICKS!!
20-POINT COMEBACK COMPLETE ✅ pic.twitter.com/us3Nq0Dykx
— NBA (@NBA) may 6, 2025
The Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, making only 15 of 60 3-point attempts. Kristaps Porzingis was limited to just 13 minutes due to illness.
The Knicks’ intensity, honed from a tough series, poses a meaningful challenge for Boston moving forward.
Jokic’s Monster Performance Leads Nuggets Past Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY – nikola Jokic’s dominant performance propelled the Denver Nuggets to a 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1. Denver overcame a late deficit to snatch the win on the road.
Jokic finished with 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists.Aaron gordon sealed the win with a late 3-pointer. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the thunder with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.
The Thunder led by 11 points with five minutes remaining, but Denver rallied behind Jokic. Chet Holmgren missed two crucial free throws with nine seconds left,opening the door for Gordon’s game-winning shot.
AARON GORDON 3 FOR THE WIN!!!@nuggets take Game 1 in a THRILLER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fxV2ReRPZA
— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2025
Jokic is only the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists in a playoff game.
NBA Playoffs: Thrilling Game 1 Action – Knicks Stun Celtics, Nuggets Steal the Show
Welcome to a recap of the electrifying first games of the NBA Playoffs! We’ll break down the key moments, star performances, and turning points that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Knicks vs. Celtics: A Comeback for the ages
Q: How did the New York Knicks manage to upset the Boston Celtics in Game 1?
A: The Knicks pulled off an amazing comeback, overcoming a 20-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Celtics 108-105 in overtime.They proved that the playoffs are a different ball game, especially given that the Celtics had won all four regular-season matchups.
Q: Who were the stand-out players for the Knicks in this Game 1 victory?
A: Jalen Brunson and Og Anunoby each scored 29 points to lead the Knicks’ charge. However, Mikal Bridges was the hero in overtime. He hit a crucial 3-pointer and sealed the win with a game-saving steal from Jaylen Brown on Boston’s final possession.
Q: How did the Celtics’ performance contribute to the Knicks’ victory?
A: The Celtics struggled mightily from beyond the arc, making only 15 of 60 three-point attempts. Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis was limited to just 13 minutes due to illness, impacting their offensive capabilities.
Q: What does this Game 1 victory mean for the knicks’ chances moving forward?
A: The Knicks’ hard-fought victory, especially after overcoming a important deficit, demonstrates their resilience and competitiveness.Their intensity, shaped through a tough series, now poses a meaningful challenge for the Celtics.
Nuggets vs. Thunder: Jokic’s Dominance
Q: How did the Denver Nuggets win Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder?
A: The denver Nuggets secured a 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma city Thunder in Game 1 behind a dominant performance by Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets managed to rally and snatch the win on the road despite trailing late in the game.
Q: What were Nikola Jokic’s statistics in game 1?
A: Nikola Jokic had a monster game, finishing with 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists. A truly historic performance!
Q: Which other players had significant contributions to the Nuggets’ victory?
A: Aaron Gordon sealed the Nuggets’ win with a late 3-pointer.
Q: Did the Thunder put up a challenge despite the loss?
A: Yes,the Oklahoma City Thunder,led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,provided a strong contest.Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points, with 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Thunder held an 11-point lead with five minutes remaining.
Q: What was the pivotal moment that led to the Nuggets’ victory?
A: The Thunder’s Chet holmgren missed two crucial free throws with nine seconds left in the game. This opened the door for Aaron Gordon’s game-winning shot.
Q: What other players had significant contributions to the Nuggets’ victory?
A: Aaron Gordon sealed the win with a crucial 3-pointer.
Q: What did Nikola Jokic’s performance mean historically?
A: Jokic is only the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists in a playoff game, showcasing his elite status.
Recap and Key Takeaways
Here is a summary of key stats and moments:
| Team | Game Result | Key Performers | Key Moments |
|————–|————-|————————————————|———————————————————————————–|
| Knicks | Won (OT) | Jalen Brunson (29 points), Og Anunoby (29 points), Mikal Bridges (game-saving steal) | 20-point comeback, Bridges’ clutch play in OT |
| Celtics | Lost (OT) | – | Poor shooting from beyond the arc, Porzingis’s limited minutes |
| Nuggets | Won | Nikola Jokic (42 points, 22 rebounds), Aaron gordon (game-winning 3-pointer) | Jokic’s dominant performance, Gordon’s clutch shot, Thunder’s missed free throws |
| Thunder | Lost | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33 points) | Challenged the Nuggets, Holmgren’s missed free throws in a critical moment |