In what turned out to be an instant classic at TD Garden, the New York Knicks fell to the Boston Celtics 119-117 in overtime on Tuesday night, despite a gritty and inspired performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Both teams came into the game battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, and the energy in the building reflected the stakes. From tip-off, it was clear this one would go down to the wire, as the Knicks matched the Celtics blow for blow, forcing the game into an extra five minutes after a clutch late-game push.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, including the go-ahead bucket with 11.2 seconds left in overtime. Jaylen Brown added 26 points and played stellar defense throughout, while Derrick White chipped in with 18 points and a pair of big three-pointers that kept the Celtics alive in regulation.
For the Knicks, it was a heartbreaking loss, but also a showcase of resilience. Jalen Brunson once again delivered under pressure, scoring 31 points and dishing out 7 assists while taking control of the offense in key moments. Julius Randle added 27 points and 10 rebounds in one of his best games since returning from injury, and Donte DiVincenzo poured in 19, including a huge corner three that tied the game with just under 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
The overtime period was filled with drama. After falling behind by four early in the extra frame, the Knicks clawed their way back with big plays on both ends. Randle tied the game at 117 with a tough finish in the paint, but after a defensive stop, the Knicks couldn’t convert on the other end. With just over 20 seconds left, the Celtics turned to Tatum, who drove into the lane and pulled up from midrange, knocking down the shot over OG Anunoby.
On the final possession, the Knicks had a chance to win or tie. Brunson received the inbound, maneuvered around a screen, and got off a decent look from just beyond the arc. The ball bounced off the back rim and out, ending the Knicks’ hopes of stealing a win on the road.
After the game, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team’s effort but noted areas for improvement. “We fought hard, gave ourselves a chance, but against a team like Boston, every possession matters,” Thibodeau said. “We had a few breakdowns defensively in key moments, and they made us pay.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, meanwhile, was quick to credit the Knicks’ toughness. “New York always brings it,” he said. “They’re physical, well-coached, and they don’t quit. We had to earn that win, and I thought our guys showed great poise, especially in overtime.”
The loss dropped the Knicks to 44-33 on the season, keeping them in the middle of a crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture. With just a few games remaining, every contest has massive implications for seeding and potential first-round matchups.
Injuries remain a concern for the Knicks as they try to close out the regular season strong. Randle, still ramping back to full form, looked more comfortable offensively but struggled with lateral movement on defense. Anunoby, who has dealt with lingering knee soreness, played solid minutes but was limited offensively. The team is still awaiting Mitchell Robinson’s full return, and his interior presence was missed in stretches against the Celtics’ bigs.
Still, the Knicks proved they can hang with the best in the East. While the loss stings, their grit, depth, and ability to compete under pressure bode well for their postseason prospects.
As for the Celtics, the win further solidified their position atop the conference, reminding everyone why they’re considered championship contenders.
If this matchup was a preview of a potential playoff series, basketball fans are in for a treat.
