Knicks stun Celtics again with another close finish in Game 2
The New York Knicks pulled off another stunner against the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semi-Final Series on Thursday, May 8 (PH time), at TD Garden, escaping with a nail-biting 91-90 win and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a monster performance, finishing with a double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Knicks’ charge. He was ably supported by Josh Hart, who came up big with 23 markers, six rebounds, three assists, and two rejections. Jalen Brunson also played a key role with 17 points, three boards, seven dimes, and a crucial block down the stretch.
But the defining moment of the game came on the defensive end. With the Celtics threatening to steal the game in the dying seconds, it was Mikal Bridges who stepped up—his lockdown defense on Jayson Tatum forced a missed shot and a turnover in the closing seconds, effectively sealing the victory for New York. The gritty sequence underscored the Knicks’ resilience and poise under pressure.
On the Celtics’ side, Derrick White continued his consistent playoff form, leading his team with 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Jaylen Brown also added 20 markers and six boards, providing much-needed firepower. Jayson Tatum posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, alongside five assists, three steals, and a block—but his late-game fumble overshadowed what could have been a heroic outing.
Boston came out firing early, racing to a 24-13 lead after the first quarter and maintaining a seven-point cushion at halftime. The Celtics extended the gap to 10 heading into the final frame after another strong third-quarter showing.
But the Knicks refused to go away quietly. New York stormed back with a 30-17 run in the fourth quarter, flipping the script and silencing the TD Garden crowd. Their defensive grit, clutch execution, and balanced scoring proved too much for the Celtics, who now face the daunting task of stealing a win on the road to keep their title hopes alive.
Meanwhile, in the other series, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a dominant performance, cruising to a 149-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets to tie their series at 1-1.
The Thunder also etched their name in the history books by scoring 87 points at halftime—the most ever in NBA Playoff history—setting the tone for a blowout win and swinging momentum their way as the series shifts to Oklahoma City.
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).