Wed May 07 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Knicks Upset Celtics in Game 1 Despite 60 Three-Point Attempts by Boston

**New York, NY** – The New York Knicks pulled off a stunning 108-105 overtime victory against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series, despite the Celtics launching a playoff-record 60 three-point attempts. While Boston’s historically poor shooting night (15-60) played a significant role in the Knicks’ comeback from a 20-point deficit, the game sparked debate over the effectiveness of both teams’ strategies.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla defended his team’s shot selection, citing high shot quality according to their internal analysis. Advanced metrics like PBP Stats and Synergy Sports, however, revealed that Boston’s actual shooting performance (42.8% effective field goal percentage) drastically underperformed their expected output (53.2%), marking one of their worst shooting nights in years. This discrepancy highlighted the significant variance inherent in three-point shooting.

Conversely, the Knicks, despite exhibiting lower average shot quality, outperformed expectations. Their defensive approach, a notable departure from coach Tom Thibodeau’s usual drop coverage, involved increased switching on pick-and-rolls. This strategy, rarely employed by the Knicks under Thibodeau, aimed to contest three-point attempts and force Boston into one-on-one situations on the perimeter. While the Celtics still got numerous three-point attempts, the Knicks’ aggressive closeouts and help defense seemed to disrupt Boston’s offensive rhythm.

Celtics players acknowledged a lack of rhythm and timing, particularly in the second half where they settled for many contested three-pointers. The Knicks’ defensive adjustments forced Boston into a higher volume of pull-up threes compared to their usual catch-and-shoot attempts, leading to a less efficient offensive performance.

Despite the unexpected outcome, the Celtics remain the series favorites. However, the Knicks’ Game 1 victory showcased a potent defensive strategy that, if replicated, could pose a significant challenge to Boston’s playoff run. The series continues with Game 2 on Wednesday, where the Celtics will aim to regain their offensive rhythm and avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.

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