The Knicks came back from down 20 points to beat the Celtics 108-105 in overtime, and fans on social media loved every second of the clutch game.
The New York Knicks have gone into Boston and dramatically taken Game 1 away from the Celtics. After falling to a 72-52 deficit in the middle of the 3rd quarter, the Knicks came storming back and won.
It was a scintillating game, especially in the 4th quarter, with Mikal Bridges the main defensive catalyst. Jalen Brunson had 29 points on the night, leaving fans in awe like he did against the Pistons in Game 6.
The Celtics, on the other hand, could not get it going in the second half. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 46 points, but it wasn’t enough.
The Boston Celtics reportedly only have one more chance to win a championship with this roster, but they didn’t play like that in Game 1 of this series.
There is a very real rivalry between the cities of Boston and New York, and emotions are heightened during the playoffs regardless.
After the game, social media was rife with reactions that were calling out the Celtics, but also with ones admiring the Knicks.
“If you miss that many shots, you deserve to lose,” wrote one fan about Boston. Another added, “And people ask why Tatum is disrespected.”
“Blowout turned thriller and somehow. What a comeback Knicks!!!” said a third fan. “I really can’t get enough of these Knicks man they some dawgs,” another said.
Perhaps the most ideal comment came from one fan, who wrote, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a series.”
Walking into TD Garden in a playoff atmosphere is a tough bet for any team. Brunson and company seemed unfazed, playing through the noise to get their win.
This is a series in which home court matters a lot, and the Knicks just stole the advantage. If they win all their games at Madison Square Garden, they win the series.
Boston is the reigning champion, and a massive Game 2 response would be fair to expect. However, if the Knicks can win that one too, it might end the series prematurely.
In the NBA playoffs, it’s about creating small advantages that can swing momentum. The Knicks just created a big one.
