The New York Knicks have pulled off what few thought possible — back-to-back road victories at TD Garden, stealing Games 1 and 2 from the Boston Celtics in the 2024–25 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals. After surviving an overtime thriller in Game 1, the Knicks edged Boston again on Wednesday night, this time on a last-second sequence in a 91–90 win. One of the driving forces behind New York’s improbable run? Jalen Brunson.
While many regular-season stars falter in high-stakes moments, Brunson thrives under pressure. The Knicks’ floor general delivered once again, scoring nine critical points in the fourth quarter to lead New York’s comeback effort.
He outscored the Celtics 17–13 by himself over the final five minutes across the two games — a testament to his poise and leadership. In Game 2, Brunson accounted for all of the Knicks’ final six points, including the go-ahead free throws with just 13 seconds remaining.
“It’s a focus that I need to have in that moment,” Brunson said postgame. “Can’t really worry about what happened previously in the game. It’s all about just focusing, having a clear mind, just trying to win the game. That’s my mindset — and I wouldn’t be that way without my teammates.”
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates a three point basket against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 07, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Historic company
Brunson is now the first player in the play-by-play tracking era (since 1997) to score at least 83 total points in fourth quarters across the first eight games of consecutive postseasons (2024 and 2025). From game-winning buckets to momentum-shifting plays, he’s been New York’s engine when it matters most.
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Only two other players have achieved this milestone even once: Stephen Curry in 2023 and Kobe Bryant in 2008. Brunson’s accomplishment places him firmly among elite NBA postseason company, and his impact has transcended two of the league’s most iconic markets.
Brunson’s Game 2 stat line
Despite a cold shooting night — just 6-of-19 from the field, including 2-of-9 from beyond the arc — Brunson still finished with 17 points, seven assists, and 38 gritty minutes. He went 3-of-4 from the free-throw line and continued to set the tone for New York’s offense.
Outside of Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points on 9-of-16 shooting) and Josh Hart (23 points on 9-of-15), the rest of the Knicks struggled offensively. But this was a game defined by heart and resilience — and once again, Brunson delivered when it counted most.
