On April 8, 2025, the Boston Celtics edged out the New York Knicks in a thrilling overtime game at Madison Square Garden, securing a 119-117 victory. This win completed a season sweep for the Celtics, who won all four matchups against the Knicks this season.
Key Performances
Boston Celtics:
- Kristaps Porzingis: Led the team with 34 points, including eight three-pointers, matching his career-high. His performance was particularly dominant in the second half and overtime.
- Jayson Tatum: Added 32 points, with a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime.
- Jrue Holiday: Contributed 16 points, including four free throws in the final moments of overtime to seal the win.
New York Knicks:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Posted a double-double with 34 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in the paint.
- Jalen Brunson: Recorded 27 points and nine assists, playing a pivotal role in the Knicks’ offense.
- Josh Hart: Added 10 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, contributing significantly across multiple facets of the game.
Game Highlights
- First Half: The Knicks started strong, building a six-point lead by halftime. Towns and Brunson led the charge, but the team struggled with three-point shooting, going 11-of-38 from beyond the arc.
- Second Half and Overtime: The Celtics rallied in the second half, with Porzingis and Tatum leading the comeback. Tatum’s late three-pointer sent the game into overtime, where Porzingis’ clutch shooting ultimately secured the win.
Coaching Decisions
The Knicks faced criticism for late-game decisions, including a missed opportunity to foul when leading by three points and a crucial turnover in overtime. These moments led to fan frustration regarding coaching strategies.
What’s Next
The Celtics’ victory solidifies their position as the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, improving their record to 59-20. They now set their sights on matching the all-time record for most road wins in a season.
The Knicks, now 50-29, have secured a playoff spot but need to improve their performance against top-tier teams, holding a 12-20 record against teams with winning records this season.
