The Knicks come back from a 20 point deficit to beat the Celtics. And the Thunder scored 87 points in a half to even up their series against the Nuggets.
Happy Thursday everyone. Sorry I forgot to put up a thread for yesterday’s playoff games. I had a matter to attend to last night. But anyway, here’s the recap.
Eastern Conference Game 2: Knicks Rally Late, Stun Celtics to Take 2–0 Series Lead
The New York Knicks pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks of the postseason, erasing a 20-point second-half deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 91–90 at TD Garden. With the win, the Knicks now lead their series 2–0 as the series heads to Madison Square Garden against the defending NBA champions.
The is cinema.
The Knicks’ full second-half comeback
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/eoxqvpL5gP
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025
Mikal Bridges, scoreless for much of the night, erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring all 14 of his points and making the game-sealing steal on Jayson Tatum in the final seconds. Josh Hart led all Knicks scorers with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a dominant 21-point, 17-rebound double-double. Jalen Brunson added 17 points, including two clutch free throws with under 13 seconds remaining.
Boston collapsed, going more than eight minutes without a field goal in the fourth quarter. I know the Wizards had some tough stretches this past season. But Boston had it worse in this game. Anyway, the Celtics also struggled from three-point range, finishing just 10-for-40, despite holding a double-digit lead for much of the game.
Western Conference Game 2: Thunder Explode for 149, Flatten Nuggets to Even Series 1–1
Oklahoma City responded emphatically in Game 2, routing the Denver Nuggets 149–106 to tie the Western Conference Semifinals at 1–1.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points and 8 assists, controlling the pace from start to finish. The Thunder made playoff history by scoring 87 points in the first half, overwhelming Denver with relentless pace and sharp shooting. Eight OKC players finished in double figures.
That’s a big contrast from the Knicks-Celtics game, where the Knicks scored just … 91 points.
87 PTS in the 1H for the Thunder
Most points in a half in the playoffs in the play-by-play era (1997-98)
DEN-OKC 3Q underway on TNTpic.twitter.com/ErUxyL5bJB
— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) May 8, 2025
Nikola Jokic managed 17 points for Denver but fouled out late in the third quarter with the game already out of reach. After taking a statement win at home, the Thunder now prepare for a pivotal Game 3 on the road in Denver.
I’ll make sure we have a thread for NBA Playoff games tonight, I promise!