Knicks' Stunning Comeback Leaves Celtics Reeling

The New York Knicks delivered another jaw-dropping performance, rallying from a 20-point deficit to secure a thrilling 91-90 victory over the Boston Celtics in the second game of their NBA Conference play-off semi-final. Jalen Brunson was the hero of the night, sinking two crucial free throws with just 12.7 seconds left on the clock to give the Knicks their first lead of the game. Mikal Bridges then made a game-saving play by knocking the ball away, denying the Celtics any chance of a last-second shot.

Key Performances

• Jalen Brunson: Despite a slow start, Brunson finished with 17 points and a game-high seven assists. His composure under pressure was pivotal in the Knicks' comeback.
• Josh Hart: Hart led the Knicks with a game-high 23 points, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments.
• Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns dominated the boards with 21 points and 17 rebounds, providing the Knicks with much-needed inside presence.
• Mikal Bridges: Bridges scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, including a key three-pointer that kept the Knicks within striking distance.

Coach's Corner

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team's resilience, stating, "We started slowly, got in a big hole, dug our way out, and then guys made a lot of tough plays. Our players were at their best when their best was needed down the stretch."

Celtics' Perspective

Despite strong performances from Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, who each scored 20 points, the Celtics couldn't hold onto their lead. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the Knicks' tenacity, saying, "They made the necessary plays to win. We put ourselves in position to do that and we just didn't make the plays."

Looking Ahead

With the series now 2-0 in favor of the Knicks, the Celtics will need to regroup quickly as they head to New York for Game 3 on Saturday. The pressure is mounting on the reigning NBA champions to turn the tide in this best-of-seven series.

Around the League

In other NBA playoff action, the Oklahoma City Thunder evened their semi-final series against the Denver Nuggets with a dominant 149-106 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, while Denver's Nikola Jokic struggled, fouling out in the third quarter with just 17 points and eight rebounds.

Related Topics: Basketball, NBA Playoffs, Knicks, Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder