The New York Knicks erased a 20-point gap in a dramatic turnaround, shocking the Boston Celtics and securing a 108-105 victory and a homecourt advantage in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6.
Boston Celtics Top Performers:
Jayson Tatum 23 PTS | 16 REB | 6 AST | 55.2 FPS
JT started the game strong with 13 points in the first quarter alone. However, he struggled heavily in the fourth, scoring just 2 points on 0-for-7 shooting from the field and 0-for-6 from three. He’s had a tough time in fourth quarters this season, averaging just 5 points while shooting only 26% from three over 61 games. Despite the struggles, he’s expected to have a much stronger performance in Game 2. He’s consistently dominated New York this season, scoring at least 30 points in three of four games and nearly recording a 25-point triple-double in the other.
Derrick White 19 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK | 39.2 FPS
D-White had a strong performance from deep in Game 1 against the Magic, but it’s been downhill over the last four games. Still, the team continues to over-rely on the three-ball, with 16 of his 18 shot attempts coming from three, of which he made just five. Despite the shooting struggles, he still recorded his fifth double-double of the season and remains a solid contributor on defense. However, after the Celtics made the wrong kind of history with 45 missed three-pointers, expect a different game plan in Game 2.
Jaylen Brown 23 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 36.9 FPS
JB had a difficult time on offense, finishing with his worst scoring percentage in the playoffs at 35%, he’s even worse from three going a brutal 1-for-10. But his strong production at the line allowed him to reach his fifth consecutive game with at least 19 points and should also continue to contribute across the board.
Jrue Holiday 16 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 29.7 FPS
Holiday missed their last three games with a hamstring problem but returned to action today and delivered a strong boost in offense while also contributing in the secondary categories. His defense alone will be vital to the team series, but he should also continue to make a solid impact in other areas.
Al Horford 7 PTS | 7 REB | 1 BLK | 18.4 FPS
Horford’s defensive contributions against Orlando have been crucial, and he continues to be an impactful player for his position. Should Porzingis miss Game 2 because of illness, Horford could step up again with another good performance.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Jalen Brunson 29 PTS | 5 AST | 2 STL | 43.3 FPS
Brunson started slow, with the Celtics having a number of players to throw at him, but he began to pick things up in the third quarter and then erupted with 11 quick points late in the fourth, including three straight three-pointers to help them pull ahead. Brunson has been a completely different player in these playoffs, consistently putting up elite assist numbers and scoring at least 29 points in six games, making him the top active scoring leader in the league.
Mikal Bridges 7 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK | 39.7 FPS
Bridges has been on a tear, scoring at least 17 points in four postseason games prior to this. Despite that, he remained highly productive by contributing strong numbers across four other major categories. While he does have potential for strong all-around play, he’s more reliable as a two-way player, finishing with at least four stocks for the third time this playoffs.
OG Anunoby 29 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 38.3 FPS
OG carried the team’s offense, scoring 12 quick points while also making key plays to help cut a 20-point deficit to 9 in the third quarter. His three-point shooting was a major factor, going 6-for-11 including a clutch three-pointer in the fourth that allowed them to take a two point lead. He’s certainly capable of big scoring performances like this while also being one of the best defensive options in this series.
Josh Hart 14 PTS | 11 REB | 2 STL | 36.7 FPS
Hart finished with his fifth game of the playoffs, scoring in double figures, his fourth with double-digit rebounds, and his fourth with at least two steals. While his versatility is always evident, his true impact goes beyond the stat sheet—doing the dirty work, bringing energy, and providing the grit and the hustle that has been essential to the team.
Miles McBride 11 PTS | 2 REB | 1 STL | 17.9 FPS
McBride was not much of a factor in their series against the Pistons but provided a big spark in offense going 3-6 from three. Though he’s struggled to stay consistent this season and the team’s inconsistent rotations might make it more difficult for him to build a rhythm.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Karl Anthony-Towns 14 PTS | 13 REB | 1 STL
KAT is a mismatch for the Celtics but couldn’t fully take advantage after struggling with foul troubles early. Despite that, he still finished with third consecutive double-double and fourth in the playoffs. He should also be poised for a much stronger performance in Game 2, with the Celtics lacking personnel to match him.
