MIKAL Bridges punctuated another remarkable comeback with a game-ending steal for the second consecutive game, as the New York Knicks shocked the Boston Celtics with a 91-90 victory on Thursday (May 8, 2025, PH time).
This improbable win grants the Knicks a surprising 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
With just 12.7 seconds remaining, Jalen Brunson calmly sank two free throws to give New York a 91-90 edge. On the ensuing possession, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics attempted to drive to the basket, but Bridges swiftly moved in, batting the ball away and securing possession for the Knicks, sealing the stunning victory.
Bridges was instrumental in the Knicks’ comeback, scoring all 14 of his points in the pivotal fourth quarter. Josh Hart contributed a strong 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added a double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks, who now return home to host Game 3 on Saturday.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 20 points. However, Boston struggled mightily from beyond the arc, connecting on only 10 of their 40 three-point attempts, following a similarly poor 15-for-60 performance in Game 1.
Tatum was limited to just 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting. Boston’s offense faltered significantly in the fourth quarter, enduring a drought of over eight minutes without a single field goal.
Historically, teams that secure the first two games of a best-of-seven series on the road boast an impressive 85.7% chance of winning the series. The Knicks had already seized the opener when Bridges executed a game-winning steal against Brown in the final second of overtime.
The Celtics held an 84-68 advantage after a Payton Pritchard three-pointer with 8:40 remaining in the game. However, they would not score another basket until Tatum’s driving dunk with just 18.5 seconds left on the clock.
New York began their comeback, cutting the deficit to 86-82 on a floater by Hart. Towns then completed a three-point play, further closing the gap to 86-85. Tatum missed a subsequent jumper, and Brunson responded by hitting an 18-footer, putting New York back in the lead.
On Boston’s next possession, a jumper by Brown rimmed out. Brunson then drove to the basket, sinking a layup to extend New York’s lead to 89-86.
Tatum then connected on two free throws and regained possession for the Celtics after a New York miss went out of bounds with 24.2 seconds remaining. Trailing 89-88, Tatum drove past Mitchell Robinson for an easy dunk, putting the Celtics back in front. However, Brunson was immediately fouled on the other end and calmly sank both free throws, ultimately securing the improbable victory for the Knicks.
Thunder tie Nuggets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a commanding performance, scoring 34 points in just three quarters, as the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Denver Nuggets 149-106 to even the Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.
The offensive firepower of the Thunder was on full display, culminating in a new NBA playoff record for points scored in the first half.
Oklahoma City erupted for an astounding 87 points before halftime, surpassing the previous record of 86. This record-breaking moment arrived in the final seconds of the second quarter when Chet Holmgren calmly sank two critical free throws, extending the Thunder’s lead to a significant 87-56 heading into the break.
Adding to this historical offensive output, the Thunder also tied an NBA playoff record for the most points scored in any single half of a game, matching the 87 points tallied by the Milwaukee Bucks against Denver in 1978. / From the wires