The New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics again. They now lead 2-0 in their NBA Conference semi-final series.
Once more, the Knicks overturned a massive deficit. Their latest 91-90 victory came after trailing by 20 points in the third quarter.
Brunson Seals It Late With Calm Free Throws
Jalen Brunson kept his composure when it mattered most. With just 12.7 seconds left on the clock, he sank two crucial free throws. These gave the Knicks the lead for the first time in the entire game.
Brunson finished the game with 17 points. He also registered a game-high seven assists. Speaking about the pressure moment, he said: “I got up there, heard the noise and then I just tried to block everything out. And then I made two.”
His calmness under pressure proved decisive. The Knicks then held firm defensively. Boston could not convert their final chance to respond.
Bridges and Hart Lead the Knicks’ Fourth-Quarter Fightback
New York’s comeback effort was again a team affair. Josh Hart starred on offence with a game-high 23 points. His energy and shot-making proved vital down the stretch.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 17 rebounds. Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges scored all of his 14 points in the final quarter. He also played a key defensive role to end Boston’s last possession.
After knocking the ball away from the Celtics (4.69) in the dying seconds, Bridges ensured the win. It marked the second straight game where the Knicks completed a double-digit comeback. They had also trailed by 20 points in their overtime win in game one.
Coach Thibodeau Applauds Knicks’ Grit and Determination
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his side’s resilience. They did not lead until the final two minutes. Yet again, they found a way to win.
“We started slowly, got in a big hole, dug our way out and then guys made a lot of tough plays,” said Thibodeau. “[Our players] were at their best when their best was needed down the stretch.”
This ability to rise under pressure is becoming New York’s trademark. Despite finishing ten games behind Boston in the regular season, they now hold the upper hand in the series. They will return home with a chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
Celtics Left Frustrated After Missed Chances
Boston will be disappointed to let another game slip. They held a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, they failed to manage the game in the final minutes.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown each scored 20 points. But Boston’s late execution was lacking. Knicks defenders swarmed them and forced tough shots.
Coach Joe Mazzulla was blunt in his assessment. “They made the necessary plays to win,” he said of the Knicks. “We put ourselves in a position to do that, and we just didn’t make the plays.”
The Celtics now face a must-win situation in game three. That clash takes place in New York on Saturday.
Thunder Blow Away Nuggets To Level Series
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder produced a statement win. They crushed the Denver Nuggets 149-106 in game two. It was a complete performance on both ends.
After a heartbreaking loss in game one, the Thunder came out firing. They scored 45 points in the first quarter. They went on to tie the NBA playoff record for most points in a half with 87.
MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter due to the massive lead. “We knew what was at stake tonight,” he said. “We came out desperate.”
Oklahoma City Shows Their True Identity
The Thunder showed why they are seen as dark horses. Coach Mark Daigneault was proud of the response. His team dominated from the opening tip.
“I didn’t look at tonight as a response as much as I looked at tonight as just us being who we are, and that’s how we’ve been all season,” said Daigneault. His side showed intensity, ball movement, and defensive tenacity.
The result sends a message to the rest of the league. The Thunder are not simply happy to be here. They believe they can go deep into the playoffs.
Jokic Struggles As Nuggets Fall Apart
Denver star Nikola Jokic had an off night. After scoring 42 in game one, he managed just 17 points and eight rebounds in game two. He also fouled out in the third quarter, ending his night early.
Interim coach David Adelman was honest in his evaluation. “We got punked,” he said. “They came out with the right intensity, and we didn’t. We aren’t just going to flush this. We have to play better, and we know that.”
Denver now has questions to answer. They must find a way to adjust before the series resumes. Game three promises to be a high-stakes battle.
Conclusion: NBA Playoffs Provide Opportunities for Online Sports Betting
These dramatic playoff results are drawing global attention. They are also impacting online sports betting markets.
Comebacks, blowouts, and individual heroics all fuel betting interest. With high unpredictability, punters are looking for smart wagers. Game-to-game momentum swings create unique odds and value.
As the NBA playoffs continue, expect more twists. Bettors following online sports betting trends will be eyeing match-ups closely. The postseason drama is far from over.
