🏀 Date: May 5, 2025
📍 Location: TD Garden, Boston
🎯 Final Score: Knicks 108 – Celtics 105 (OT)
⭐ Star of the Game: OG Anunoby – 29 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL | 6 3PM
🔥 Anunoby’s Electric Performance
OG Anunoby proved exactly why the Knicks invested a $212.5 million contract in him last offseason. In a Game 1 Eastern Conference Semifinals thriller, the versatile forward put the team on his back and delivered when it mattered most.
📊 Stat Line:
- ✅ 29 points (10-20 FG)
- 🎯 6-of-11 from beyond the arc (54.5%)
- 💪 4 rebounds
- 🛡️ 2 steals
- 🧱 Locked down Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown on defense
🎙️ “OG was incredible. Two-way dominance. He hit big shots and locked up defensively,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.
🔑 Game Highlights & Turning Points
🧊 Ice-Cold Three-Pointers
Anunoby sank six 3-pointers, including two clutch threes in the 4th quarter that sparked the Knicks’ rally from a 20-point deficit.
🛡️ Defensive Impact
He was the primary defender on Celtics stars:
- 👤 Jayson Tatum: 6-18 FG
- 👤 Jaylen Brown: 8-25 FG
Together, the Celtics’ duo shot a combined 14-for-43 (32.6%) — much credit to Anunoby’s positioning, strength, and anticipation.
🚀 Knicks Comeback
- 🕐 Down 20 late in the 3rd, Knicks clamped down on defense.
- 📉 Held Boston to 16 points in the 4th quarter.
- 🎯 Anunoby hit the game-tying shot with 1:14 left to force OT.
- 💥 Big bucket in overtime put NY ahead 106–105.
📽️ Must-See Highlights
🎥 Watch OG Anunoby’s Game 1 Highlights:
➡️ YouTube: 29 PTS vs Celtics
🏆 Season Context & Legacy
After being traded to the Knicks in late 2023, Anunoby became a defensive anchor and secondary scorer behind Jalen Brunson. His re-signing in July 2024 was a clear message: he’s a long-term pillar in New York’s title hopes.
🔝 Notable Moments This Season:
- 🧨 Career-high 40 points vs Denver (Nov 25, 2024)
- 💰 Signed 5-year/$212.5M extension in July 2024
- 🛡️ Led team in defensive win shares
🗓️ Upcoming Games in the Series
🆚 Eastern Conference Semifinals
Knicks lead 1–0 vs Boston Celtics
- 📅 Game 2: Wed, May 7 @ TD Garden (Boston)
- 📅 Game 3: Sat, May 10 @ Madison Square Garden (NYC)
- 📅 Game 4: Mon, May 12 @ MSG
🗣️ Final Take
OG Anunoby’s Game 1 performance was a masterclass in two-way basketball. If he continues at this pace, the Knicks could be serious contenders to reach their first NBA Finals since 1999. 🔥
