Nuggets and Knicks Pull Off Stunning Game 1 Upsets to Shake Up NBA Semifinals
Playoff drama hit a fever pitch Monday night as the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks delivered jaw-dropping road upsets in their respective conference semifinal openers—overpowering the top-seeded Thunder and reigning champion Celtics in two of the most thrilling games of the postseason so far.
Nuggets Stun Thunder With Last-Second Heroics
Denver pulled off a stunning 14-point comeback to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119, thanks to a clutch, game-winning three-pointer from Aaron Gordon with just 2.8 seconds left.
Oklahoma City had looked dominant early, riding the momentum of a first-round sweep and backed by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who posted 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Nikola Jokić matched the star power with a monster 42-point, 22-rebound performance for Denver.
But it was Gordon who stole the spotlight in the final seconds.
With OKC up by three after a dunk by Gilgeous-Alexander, a questionable foul strategy backfired. Gordon sank two free throws, and after Chet Holmgren missed a pair on the other end, Christian Braun secured the rebound, setting up Gordon’s deep dagger from beyond the arc.
It was Gordon’s second game-winner of the postseason—his earlier dunk in Game 4 against the Clippers also turned that series around.
“We didn’t want to miss the moment,” said Gordon. “We showed our grit, but we’re not satisfied.”
Game 2 of what’s shaping up to be a classic series is set for Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
Knicks Rally Past Celtics in OT After 20-Point Deficit
Earlier in Boston, the Knicks pulled off a comeback for the ages—erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat the Celtics 108-105 in overtime, stealing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Boston started strong despite limited playing time from its core group this season and seemed in control—until their three-point shooting fell apart in historic fashion.
The Celtics went ice cold from deep, setting playoff records for both most three-pointers attempted and missed in a game. Their 15-for-60 shooting (25%) opened the door for a Knicks comeback.
New York’s Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby seized the moment, combining for 39 points in the final 23 minutes. Brunson hit clutch shots, while Anunoby bullied his way into the paint. The Knicks outscored Boston 53-30 down the stretch to force overtime.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in key buckets in OT as the Knicks defense tightened up and sealed the shock win.
“We told each other to keep believing,” said Brunson. “There wasn’t going to be a 20-point shot. We had to grind.”
Game 2 tips off Wednesday in Boston as the Knicks look to keep the momentum rolling.
Source: CNN – Dramatic endings as Nuggets and Knicks shock Thunder and Celtics in conference semifinal openers
