NBA Playoffs: Miraculous Wins for Nuggets & Knicks; Celtics Crumble in OT
#1: Nuggets-clock Thunder in Thrilling Final Seconds
In a nail-biting finish, the Denver Nuggets snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-second three-pointer from Aaron Gordon, upsetting the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-123 in game one of their second-round playoff series.
- The Nuggets overcame a 14-point deficit in the final quarter, thanks largely to a monumental performance from MVP Nikola Jokic, who finished with 42 points and 22 rebounds.
- Jarred Vanderbilt’s free throws with 16 seconds remaining gave Denver a 121-120 lead, setting the stage for Gordon’s heroics.
- Gordon scored 22 points and added 14 rebounds for the Nuggets, who trailed for most of the fourth quarter before mounting their comeback.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Thunder, while Alex Caruso added 20 points and 5 steals off the bench.
The Chronicle: A Game of Two Halves
The Thunder raced out to a 60-46 lead at the halfway point, thanks largely to their own three-point shooting and suffocating defense. However, the Nuggets clawed their way back into the contest with a spirited second-half performance, outscoring OKC 77-61.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and the lead. Despite their best efforts, the Thunder couldn’t hold on, and Gordon’s late heroics sealed an unforgettable victory for Denver.
#2: Knicks Stun Celtics in Overtime Thriller
The New York Knicks pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating the Boston Celtics 105-108 in overtime in game one of their second-round playoff series.
- Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29 points each, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 23 points apiece for Boston.
- The Celtics blew a 15-point third-quarter lead but couldn’t hold on in the closing minutes, as New York’s relentless pressure eventually told.
- The game featured a combined 45 missed three-pointers, setting a new NBA playoff record.
The Chronicle: A Wild Finish
The Celtics الحالية، led by Tatum and Brown, threatened to pull away in the third quarter, but the Knicks refused to go away. Brunson and Anunoby kept New York in the game, and their persistent defense eventually paid dividends in the closing minutes.
Boston had a chance to win the game in regulation but couldn’t convert, and the Knicks took control in overtime, thanks in large part to a clutch three-pointer from Mikal Bridges.
Did you know?
Gordon’s game-winner was the third game-winning three-pointer of his playoff career, tying him with Stephen Curry for the most in NBA history.
Pro tips
Want to maximize your enjoyment of the NBA playoffs? Stay up late, stock up on snacks, and get ready for some unforgettable moments – like these two incredible finishes!
Join the Conversation
Which team do you think will advance to the next round: the Nuggets or the Thunder? And can the Knicks keep their momentum going against the Celtics? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!