BOSTON — In an unexpected turn of events, the New York Knicks staged a dramatic comeback for the second consecutive game, defeating the Boston Celtics 91-90 in a tense matchup on May 7. This victory puts the Knicks ahead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the defending champions.

Mikal Bridges was pivotal once again, executing a last-minute steal to secure the win.

His performance was crucial, especially as he scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Brunson contributed significantly with 17 points, hitting two critical free throws with 12.7 seconds remaining to give the Knicks a narrow lead.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum struggled during the game, finishing with 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting.

Despite an ambitious effort from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who each scored 20 points, the Celtics’ offense faltered in the fourth quarter, going over eight minutes without a field goal at one point, missing 13 straight shots.

The Knicks, buoyed by solid performances from Josh Hart with 23 points and Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded 21 points and 17 rebounds, will now host Game 3 on Saturday.

Brunson remarked on the team’s focus and motivation heading into their home game, emphasizing the opportunity they have at this stage.

Kristaps Porzingis made a rare appearance off the bench due to illness, contributing eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes.

The Knicks' victory was remarkable, especially considering trends in playoff history; teams that win the first two games of a best-of-seven series on the road have a series victory rate of 85.7%.

In the previous game, the Knicks had also triumphed after Bridges intercepted a crucial pass, leading to a tight overtime win.

As the Celtics prepared for their next match, Brown expressed the need for the team to respond effectively, noting the pressure that comes with this series after their 4-0 sweep over New York in the regular season.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed in a record-setting performance, defeating the Denver Nuggets 149-106 to level their semifinal series at one game each.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points in just three quarters.

The team set a new NBA playoff record for first-half scoring, finishing with 87 points, surpassing the previous record held by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Chet Holmgren’s performance, including key free throws to cement the record, highlighted a standout game for Oklahoma City, which will meet the Nuggets again for Game 3 in Denver on Friday.