Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats: Game 1 Victory
The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics kicked off their Eastern Conference Semifinals series with a high-intensity Game 1 at Madison Square Garden on May 5, 2025. Despite entering as underdogs, the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to stun the top-seeded Celtics in a 108–105 overtime win.
The atmosphere was electric, and both teams brought playoff-level physicality and focus. From early Boston dominance to New York’s fourth-quarter rally and clutch overtime finish, this game was a showcase of both star power and gritty depth. The Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats revealed surprising individual performances and crucial statistical trends that ultimately defined the outcome.
First Half: Boston Builds Early Momentum
Boston came out sharp and disciplined. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown set the tone early with quick scoring runs and aggressive drives to the rim. They exploited matchups in transition and ran efficient half-court sets that kept the Knicks’ defense off balance. Jrue Holiday, returning from a hamstring injury, added poise and balance to the Celtics’ offensive rhythm.
He distributed the ball smartly and provided tough perimeter defense on Jalen Brunson. By halftime, Boston had built a double-digit lead, largely on the strength of their three-point shooting and fast-break efficiency. The Celtics shot over 50% from the field in the first half and looked in complete control. At this point, the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats tilted heavily in Boston’s favor.
Second Half: Knicks Fight Back with Grit and Defense
The third quarter was where the tide began to shift. OG Anunoby took charge for the Knicks with an incredible stretch of play on both ends of the court. He hit multiple three-pointers, many of them under heavy pressure, and used his strength to defend Boston’s best scorers. Anunoby ended the night with 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting, including a red-hot 6-of-11 from beyond the arc.
His defensive switches were seamless, often locking down Tatum, Brown, or whoever was heating up. His ability to space the floor and contain opposing wings gave the Knicks the confidence they needed to claw their way back.
Brunson Finds His Rhythm in the Clutch
While Jalen Brunson had a rocky start, he found his rhythm in the second half, especially in crunch time. He struggled with efficiency overall shooting 9-for-23—but made the biggest buckets when they mattered most.
His midrange floaters and pull-up jumpers kept Boston’s defense guessing, and his patience in orchestrating offensive sets gave the Knicks stability under pressure. Brunson also dished out 5 assists and attacked mismatches relentlessly. His leadership and late-game execution were crucial in sending the game to overtime, where the Knicks ultimately seized the moment.
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Overtime: Knicks Close It Out
The overtime period was defined by hustle, defense, and discipline. Josh Hart, who finished with just 8 points, made one of the biggest impacts with his 13 rebounds and all-around activity. He grabbed critical boards, dove for loose balls, and switched defensively onto multiple Celtics players.
Mikal Bridges, though not flashy on offense, hit a key jumper and made the defensive play of the night—a game-clinching steal on Jaylen Brown in the final seconds of overtime. These gritty plays embodied the Knicks’ overall effort. The Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats showed New York outscoring Boston 10–7 in OT, closing with poise and energy.
Full Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
Below is a breakdown of key individual performances from Game 1:
New York Knicks Key Stats
| Player | Points | FG | 3PT | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
| OG Anunoby | 29 | 10-19 | 6-11 | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| Jalen Brunson | 29 | 9-23 | 2-7 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Josh Hart | 8 | 3-7 | 0-2 | 13 | 4 | 1 |
| Mikal Bridges | 11 | 4-8 | 1-3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Donte DiVincenzo | 10 | 4-9 | 2-6 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Boston Celtics Key Stats
| Player | Points | FG | 3PT | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
| Jayson Tatum | 24 | 8-21 | 3-12 | 8 | 3 | 2 |
| Jaylen Brown | 22 | 9-22 | 2-9 | 6 | 2 | 5 |
| Jrue Holiday | 16 | 7-14 | 2-5 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Al Horford | 6 | 2-9 | 1-5 | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Payton Pritchard | 9 | 3-10 | 3-7 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Shooting Struggles Doom Boston
One of the most glaring issues for the Celtics was their cold perimeter shooting. They attempted an astonishing 60 three-pointers but made only 15, shooting just 25%. Their 45 missed three-point attempts set a new NBA playoff record.
This inefficient volume shooting became their undoing in the fourth quarter and overtime. Instead of adjusting to take higher-percentage shots, the Celtics continued firing from deep with little success. The Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats highlight how these missed opportunities allowed New York to stay in the game and eventually take over.
The Impact of Porziņģis’ Absence
Kristaps Porziņģis was out due to a right calf strain, and his absence was felt. Without him, Boston lacked a true rim protector, and their pick-and-roll defense suffered. Offensively, the spacing Porziņģis provides was also missing. Al Horford and Luke Kornet struggled to stretch the floor effectively, allowing the Knicks to collapse into the paint more often. The Celtics need their stretch-five back to diversify their attack and limit second-chance opportunities for New York.
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What This Means for the Series
With this Game 1 win, the Knicks not only stole home-court advantage but also set the tone for the rest of the series. Their defensive intensity, clutch execution, and balanced contributions proved they can go toe-to-toe with a top-seeded contender. The Celtics now face pressure to respond quickly. Game 2 will be pivotal. If Boston can’t adjust their offensive strategy and improve their efficiency, the Knicks could continue to push the pace and steal another win.
The Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats offer insight into how even small advantages in rebounding, turnovers, and shooting percentage can swing games in the postseason.
Final Thoughts
Game 1 between the Knicks and Celtics was everything a playoff fan could ask for. It had drama, big plays, and a surprising finish. The Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats revealed that this series could be a war of attrition, where every possession counts and no lead is safe. The Knicks showed they are not intimidated.
They played with heart, grit, and belief. The Celtics, though wounded, are still dangerous and will certainly come out with adjustments in Game 2. If this opening game is any indication, this will be a must-watch series full of twists and defining moments.