The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have reignited their historic rivalry in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, showcasing an electrifying start to the series. In a stunning turn of events on Monday night, the Knicks overcame a staggering 20-point deficit to secure a thrilling victory in Game 1, finishing with a score of 108-105 after overtime. This victory not only provided the Knicks with a crucial win but also allowed them to steal home-court advantage from the reigning champions, the Celtics.
In a game marked by missed opportunities, the Celtics set an NBA record by missing 45 three-pointers, managing only 15 out of 60 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite this disappointing performance, the Celtics remain the favorites to win the series, with Game 2 set to take place on Wednesday night. This series marks the first playoff matchup between these two storied franchises since 2013, adding an extra layer of excitement to their encounter.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics showcased their dominance by defeating the Orlando Magic in just five games. Meanwhile, the Knicks advanced after a fiercely contested six-game series against the Detroit Pistons. Both teams feature All-NBA superstars who have been instrumental in their playoff success. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum shone in the first round, averaging an impressive 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. On the other hand, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson delivered stellar performances, averaging 31.5 points and 8.2 assists against the Pistons.
As the series progresses, fans are eager to see how both teams will adapt and perform in the upcoming games. Here’s the schedule for the Celtics vs. Knicks playoff series:
Game 1: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT) — New York leads 1-0 Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 7 p.m., TNT/Max Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD Game 4: Monday, May 12 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD Game 6: Friday, May 16 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD Game 7: Monday, May 19 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBDAccording to DraftKings, the odds for the series reflect a strong belief in the Celtics' ability to bounce back:
Series Odds: Celtics -340, Knicks +270 Game 1 Odds: Celtics -10.5, O/U 211As the Celtics look to regain their footing in the series, basketball fans are gearing up for what promises to be an intense battle between these two iconic franchises. Don't miss Game 2 as the Celtics aim to even the series and the Knicks strive to extend their lead.
