NBA Playoffs: Nuggets and Knicks stage dramatic road comebacks to snatch game 1 upsets

Monday night in the NBA playoffs saw both Conference Semifinal series open with stunning, come-from-behind victories on the road. The Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks each defied expectations, snatching Game 1 wins in dramatic fashion after trailing by significant margins, immediately putting pressure on the higher seeds.

(0) Oklahoma City Thunder-Denver Nuggets (1): 119-121

In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119 in a thrilling opener. The Nuggets demonstrated incredible "mentality" and "resilience," refusing to concede despite trailing by as many as 14 points at times. They fought "uphill" throughout much of the game, coming alive in the final minutes. The dramatic finish saw Nikola Jokic hit a late three-pointer to bring Denver within one point. Then, with fewer than four seconds remaining, Aaron Gordon delivered the game-winning shot, a clutch three-pointer assisted by longtime Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, silencing the home crowd. Jokic had a historic performance, recording 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to achieve a 40/20/5 stat line in a playoff game. He scored 26 of his points after halftime. Gordon also had a strong all-around game with 22 points and 14 rebounds. For the Thunder, the loss was a "gut-punch." They will rue allowing 27 second-chance points and 24 fast-break points. Key missed free throws by Chet Holmgren late also proved costly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's "masterful" 33-point, 10-rebound, eight-assist effort was ultimately in vain, as was Alex Caruso's strong 20-point, six-assist, five-steal performance off the bench.

(0) Boston Celtics-New York Knicks (1): 105-108 OT

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks pulled off a remarkable upset against the Boston Celtics, winning 108-105 in overtime at TD Garden. The Knicks defied the odds as "major underdogs," especially given they had lost all four regular-season matchups against Boston, being "pummeled in three of the four." New York showcased their "resiliency" by overcoming a significant 20-point deficit to force overtime. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 29 points, finding his rhythm in the fourth quarter after a difficult first half where he had as many fouls (three) as field goals. In overtime, the Knicks took control.

Mikal Bridges hit a crucial three-pointer to give New York a 106-100 lead and then sealed the victory with a game-winning steal from Jaylen Brown with just three seconds remaining. The Knicks shot well from beyond the arc as a team (46%). In contrast, the Celtics struggled mightily from three, making only 15 of a playoff-record 60 attempts (25%), including many wide-open misses in the third quarter. The game featured strategic battles, including the Celtics' initial success with mismatch hunting (like Tatum targeting Towns) and using a "Hack-a-Mitchell-Robinson gambit," but the Knicks adjusted defensively (with Anunoby's help), and Brunson capitalized on switches (targeting Horford) with clutch three-pointers in crunch time.

While the Celtics' poor shooting was a major factor, the Knicks' defense was impactful, and New York's ability to overcome the huge deficit and secure the win through clutch plays from Brunson and Bridges delivered a significant "wake-up call" to the defending champions.

With road teams going 3-0 in the Conference Semifinals openers (including the Pacers' win over the Cavaliers on Sunday), Monday night set a high bar for playoff drama as both the Nuggets and Knicks start their series with