NBA Playoff Thrills: Knicks Stun Celtics, Nuggets Edge Thunder in OT Thrillers

 NBA Playoff Thrills: Knicks Stun Celtics, Nuggets Edge Thunder in OT Thrillers

The New York Knicks pulled off a remarkable comeback, erasing a 20 point third quarter deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108 105 in overtime in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 29 points, highlighting the Knicks’ fighting spirit as a strong road team. Despite a missed lay up by Brunson with three seconds left in regulation and a missed long range shot by Boston’s Jayson Tatum, who tied for the Celtics’ top scorer with 23 points, the Knicks dominated in overtime to secure the victory. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team’s resilience, noting the emotional highs and lows of playoff basketball, while Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pointed to defensive lapses as an area for improvement. Game 2 is set for Wednesday at 7:00 PM local time in Boston. In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets staged their own comeback, overcoming a 13 point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 121 119. Nikola Jokic led with an impressive 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, while Aaron Gordon sealed the win with a game winning three pointer in the final seconds, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, faltered late despite their strong regular season. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged execution issues but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to learn from the loss. The Nuggets’ 19 6 run to close the game gave them a 1 0 series lead. Game 2 will take place Wednesday at 9:30 PM local time in Oklahoma, promising more playoff intensity.

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