BOSTON, MA. (WE) — The New York Knicks stunned the basketball world Monday night with a dramatic 108–105 overtime comeback against the top-seeded Boston Celtics at TD Garden, giving them a 1–0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series.
With momentum on their side and a chance to swing the series dramatically in their favor, the Knicks are preparing to face a battle-tested Celtics team in Game 2 tonight, May 7, at 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT, televised nationally on TNT, truTV, and streaming on Max and Sling.
While New York is riding high after one of the most improbable playoff comebacks in recent years, Boston now finds itself on unfamiliar ground—trailing in a postseason series for the first time since the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.
How to Watch Game 2?
- Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT
- Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
- TV: TNT, truTV
- Streaming: Max, Sling TV
Game 1 Recap: Knicks Rally for a Shocking OT Win
The Knicks were down by 20 points late in the third quarter and trailed by 16 at halftime. In every regular season meeting—where Boston went 4–0 against New York and won three games by at least 13 points—it would have seemed the Celtics were on their way to a routine win. But the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby with 29 points apiece, had other plans.
Despite foul trouble for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart and losing the rebounding battle by double digits, the Knicks executed when it mattered most. They closed regulation on a 21–8 run and outlasted Boston in overtime.
“We just never stopped believing,” said Brunson. “This team has heart, and we know how to fight. That’s how you win playoff games.”
Injury Updates
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porziņģis, who was forced to leave Game 1 with an illness, is listed as probable for Game 2. His potential return could provide a significant boost to the Celtics’ defense and scoring inside. Meanwhile, forward Sam Hauser is doubtful due to a right ankle sprain.
The New York Knicks enter Game 2 with a fully healthy roster, looking to build on their momentum from their dramatic Game 1 win.
Porziņģis, who averaged 19.5 points per game this season, was sidelined at halftime of Game 1 and has been dealing with illness issues that caused him to miss eight games in March.
“He’s big for us,” Celtics guard Jrue Holiday said. “A guy who can stretch the floor and protect the rim—it’s tough without him. But we’ve always had a next-man-up mentality.”
Read More:
- Indiana Pacers Stun Cavaliers with Another Last-Minute Comeback in Game 2 Thriller
- Knicks Rally from 20 Down to Shock Celtics 108–105 in OT Thriller Behind Brunson, Anunoby, and Bridges
Shooting Woes and Strategic Adjustments
The Celtics’ perimeter shooting in Game 1 was historically bad. They shot 15-of-60 (25%) from three, the most missed three-pointers (45) in an NBA playoff game. Boston went just 2-of-15 from deep in the fourth quarter, including several rushed attempts that stalled their offensive rhythm.
- Jayson Tatum: 4-of-15 from three
- Jaylen Brown: 1-of-10
- Derrick White: 5-of-16
“In those moments when the other team has momentum, you can’t just fire up threes,” said Brown. “We have to get to the line, to the paint—get an easy two before we go back outside.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla agreed, saying the Celtics need to play “more connected” offensively.
Full Knicks vs. Celtics Playoff Schedule
Eastern Conference Semifinals (Best-of-Seven):
- Game 1: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT)
- Game 2: Tonight, May 7 at 7 PM ET – TD Garden
- Game 3: Saturday, May 10 at 3:30 PM ET – Madison Square Garden (ABC)
- Game 4: Monday, May 12 at 7:30 PM ET – Madison Square Garden (ESPN)
- Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 – TD Garden (TBD, if necessary)
- Game 6: Friday, May 16 – Madison Square Garden (8 PM ET, ESPN, if necessary)
- Game 7: Monday, May 19 – TD Garden (8 PM ET, TNT, if necessary)
Series & Championship Odds (via BetMGM)
Game 2 Odds:
- Spread: Celtics -10.5 | Knicks +10.5
- O/U Total: 210.5 points
- Moneyline: Celtics -550 | Knicks +400
Series Odds:
- Celtics: -300 (Bet $300 to win $100)
- Knicks: +240 (Bet $100 to win $240)
NBA Championship Odds:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: +175
- Boston Celtics: +225
- Cleveland Cavaliers: +550
- Minnesota Timberwolves: +1000
- Denver Nuggets: +1400
- Golden State Warriors: +2500
- New York Knicks: +2800
- Indiana Pacers: +3500
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Game 1 | Season Average |
|---|---|---|
| Knicks Points | 108 | 112.8 |
| Celtics Points | 105 | 120.6 |
| Knicks FG % | 44.3% | 47.6% |
| Celtics FG % | 40.2% | 48.7% |
| Knicks 3PT % | 35.1% | 36.8% |
| Celtics 3PT % | 25% | 38.6% |
| Knicks FT % | 55% (17-31) | 77.2% |
| Celtics FT % | 82% (20-24) | 81.1% |
| Knicks Turnovers | 11 | 12.4 |
| Celtics Turnovers | 12 | 11.2 |
Key Matchups to Watch
Jalen Brunson vs Jrue Holiday
Brunson’s ability to get into the paint and hit tough mid-range shots was pivotal in Game 1. Holiday, a defensive specialist, must find a way to contain him without fouling.
OG Anunoby vs Jayson Tatum
Anunoby not only provided scoring in Game 1, but he also helped limit Tatum’s ability to get to the rim. Expect a physical duel between two two-way forwards.
Paint Battle: Mitchell Robinson vs Al Horford
With Porziņģis limited, the Celtics leaned heavily on Al Horford. Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection will again be essential.
Coaching Chess Match: Mazzulla vs Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks came in with a strong defensive plan and made second-half adjustments that neutralized Boston’s movement. His ability to make game-to-game adjustments, especially with matchups and rotations, will be tested again tonight.
Meanwhile, Joe Mazzulla is under pressure to get Boston back on track after what many consider a blown opportunity. His decision-making with rotations and late-game execution will be closely watched.
X-Factors for Game 2
- Knicks: Donte DiVincenzo – Can his perimeter defense and timely shooting provide a boost again off the bench?
- Celtics: Payton Pritchard – He hit some key shots in Game 1. Boston may need more of his energy and spacing tonight.
Historical Context
This is the first time since 2013 that the Knicks have led a second-round playoff series. It’s also the first time the Celtics have trailed in a series opener at home since 2018.
In playoff series where the Knicks win Game 1 on the road, they’ve advanced 77% of the time. Meanwhile, the Celtics have only lost back-to-back playoff games at home once in the last six years.
What to Expect in Game 2
Boston is expected to come out aggressively and play with a heightened sense of urgency. Look for quicker rotations, better floor spacing, and more drives to the paint to open up cleaner looks from deep.
New York, meanwhile, will want to slow the pace, win the turnover battle, and get into the bonus early. If Brunson and Anunoby stay out of foul trouble and Robinson controls the glass, they have a legitimate shot to go up 2–0.
Final Word
Tonight’s matchup is more than just Game 2—it’s a momentum-defining moment for both franchises. The Celtics must avoid going down 0–2 before heading to hostile territory at Madison Square Garden, while the Knicks have a rare opportunity to assert themselves as legitimate contenders by taking two on the road.
A win tonight doesn’t just inch a team closer to the Eastern Conference Finals—it sets the tone for the rest of the playoffs.
