It’s not easy beating green, as the New York Knicks were far too willing to prove throughout last regular season. They pulled it off, however, when it mattered most.
New York will have to duplicate the feat three more times for it to prove particularly memorable but their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the defending champion Boston Celtics got off to a sterling start via a 108-105 overtime victory in the Monday night opener at TD Garden. It marks the first time they won Game 1 of a non-first round playoff series since the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana.
Below, we document the Knicks that stood out in the landmark victory, their first in five tries against the mighty Celtics this year:
Honorable Mentions
May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots for three points against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images
(29 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds)
Advertisement
The Knicks are running into the sweetest problem with Brunson, as anyone remotely involved with the team is running out of superlatives to describe the point guard’s clutch prowess. Though a bit erratic from the field (9-of-23, including 0-of-4 in overtime), Brunson put in 11 points during the fourth quarter, extending his New York franchise record of regulation-closers with double-figures in scoring (14). The Game 1 win puts Brunson on pace to secure his metropolitan legacy: if the Knicks pull off his series win it’ll be impossible to deny his New York immortality.
May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the second quarter during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images
This postseason, Bridges’ maiden playoff voyage in New York, has been about populated box scores at the right time in attempt to fully convince others about the longevity of the famous offseason trade that had him switching boroughs. Bridges likewise struggled from the field (3-of-13) dominated the play sheet over the three-plus minutes of overtime: his acrobatic steal on the sidelines led to Anunoby’s dunk that gave the Knicks the lead for good and he followed that up with a three from the corner that provided New York’s winning total. He capped things off with a scintillating strip of Jaylen Brown on Boston’s last attempt to force a sixth period, allowing the metropolitan celebration to officially commence. Bridges isn’t going to sway everyone in one night but her certainly carries more metropolitan supporters at this point in the postseason.
May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) in the second quarter during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images
(29 points, 6-of-11 three-point FG, 4 rebounds)
The Knicks’ championship case has no doubt added a layer of undeniable plausibility upon Anunoby’s arrival in late 2023 and he lived up to that reputation and then some on Monday. Anunoby was by far the most consistent Knick to take the floor: the world is already well aware of his defensive impact, which is capable of bottling up the Celtics’ numerous threats, but his continued scoring prowess immediately proved itself to be an x-factor in this series. Averaging just under 23 points a game since the regional rivals played their third matchup in late February, Anunoby hit six triples on Monday, becoming just the fifth New Yorker to do so in a playoff game.
Advertisement
Make sure you bookmark Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns as and so much more!
The Boston City Council is expected to discuss removing Tania Fernandes Anderson today after she pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
The city’s own lawyers have explained that councilors cannot remove Fernandes Anderson from office before she is sentenced in her case, but that doesn’t stop the council from adding to the growing calls urging the disgraced councilwoman to resign.
It also doesn’t stop them from taking action to formally address the situation.
We know Fernandes Anderson has already pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges. Her decision to conceive a kickback scheme involving a family member who she hired to her staff isn’t up for debate. She admitted giving them a large bonus and then pocketing $7,000 — thus her federal convictions and upcoming sentencing in July.
Advertisement
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson did not show up for the body’s first meeting since pleading guilty to federal corruption charges.
But until then, the councilor is allowed to maintain her seat. The council, however, also has some options.
They’ve already removed Fernandes Anderson from her city council committee positions, and an existing rule mandates that if a council member is convicted of a felony, the president — in this case Ruthzee Louijeune — has to refer the matter to council for a two thirds majority vote.
In 2010, the council voted and removed one of their own who was convicted, but the supreme judicial court overturned that and ruled the council didn’t have the authority.
Today’s formal proceeding at noon to address Fernandes Anderson’s conduct and conviction may demonstrate to the public that the council is working to restore public trust and add pressure to Fernandes Anderson to resign — but ultimately their hands may be tied until she is sentenced this summer.
City of Boston officials have placed a staff attorney on paid administrative leave as the employee pursues a bid for mayor.
John F. Houton, who has worked in the city’s law department for 18 years, including the past 14 years as in-house counsel for the city’s treasury department, is one of 13 candidates who have filed paperwork with the city to challenge Mayor Michelle Wu this election cycle. Houton told the Globe he believes the decision to put him on leave, which was first reported by Commonwealth Beacon, is retaliation in response to his mayoral campaign.
“I’m very disappointed that I’m being challenged and intimidated to not run,” Houton, 58, told the Globe in an interview Tuesday. “It’s caused some issues, but I’m holding steadfast in trying to get my signatures so I can be on the ballot.”
Advertisement
Houton said city officials told him on Friday they are placing him on leave because he is a candidate for mayor. When he asked why other city employees running for office, including Kerry Augustin, the receptionist for the city’s Age Strong Commission who is also running for mayor, were not treated similarly, Houton said they expressed concern that his employment as an attorney for the city could be a conflict of interest or present ethical dilemmas.
“In order to perform its essential functions, the Law Department’s work depends on being fully non-political in its operations, and, importantly, the Department must be perceived as non-political by Cabinet Chiefs and Department heads seeking advice and counsel,” city spokesperson Jessicah Pierre said in a statement.
Pierre said the city’s Human Resources department is handling all decisions related to Houton’s employment, with the advice of outside counsel. Wu is not involved, Pierre added.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Advertisement
Niki Griswold can be reached at niki.griswold@globe.com. Follow her @nikigriswold.
Tatum left the contest with 3:07 remaining in the fourth quarter. Boston called a timeout to get him out of the game.
Tatum undoubtedly had his best game of the series as he recorded 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting from the field, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals in 40 minutes of action.
The Celtics are now down 3-1 in the series and could be without their best player for the rest of the playoffs.
Advertisement
Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum will undergo an MRI on Tuesday for his lower leg.
Mazzulla: Jayson Tatum (lower leg) to undergo MRI on Tuesday.
In the series, Tatum is averaging 25.0 points per game, 11.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.8 steals while shooting 40 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three in four games.
Game 5 is on Wednesday night in Boston.
More Boston Celtics news: Celtics to be Without One Player For Game 4 vs Knicks
Advertisement
Jrue Holiday Addresses Celtics Injury Issues Before Game 4
Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Sends Strong Message After Win vs Knicks
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Isn’t Worried About 0-2 Series Deficit
Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Offers Strange Comments Following Game 3
Brian Windhorst Offers Grim Assessment of Celtics Gameplan vs Knicks
Advertisement
For more news and notes about the Boston Celtics, head on over to Boston Celtics on SI.
