Upsets in the NBA Playoffs: Knicks Shock Celtics, OKC Dismantles Nuggets

Knicks Stun Celtics with a Narrow Win

The defending champion Boston Celtics faced more pressure in the NBA playoff quarter-finals as they lost their second home game to the New York Knicks, 90-91, going down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series.

NBA fans worldwide watched in awe as Jayson Tatum gave the Celtics a 90-89 lead with just 18.5 seconds left, only for Jalen Brunson to freeze on two consecutive free throws. Boston had a dozen seconds to respond, but Tatum’s last-second attempt was blocked.

“We realize what chance we have. We just have to stay tuned.”

The Knicks, with 17 points from Brunson and 23 from Josh Hart, host the third game on Saturday, making it statistically difficult for the Celtics to recover, as only five teams have ever won an NBA playoff series after losing the first two home games.

OKC Dismantles Nuggets with a Jaw-Dropping Win

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder responded to their first playoff quarter-final defeat like true contenders. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points, the Thunder dismantled the Denver Nuggets, 149-106, tying the series at 1-1.

The Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein had a great night with 14 points and eight rebounds, while their collective defensive effort kept Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic in check. Jokic managed average stats, picking up his sixth foul in the third quarter with the game already decided, 117-76 in OKC’s favor.

The series continues in Denver, with the possibility of at least a fifth game in Oklahoma City.