NBA legend Magic Johnson praised the Knicks for his or her Recreation 1 win in opposition to the Celtics, giving credit score to 2 gamers specifically.
The New York Knicks managed to mount an enormous 2nd half comeback in opposition to the Boston Celtics to take an early lead within the Japanese Convention Semifinals.
NBA followers beloved the 20-point comeback led primarily by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, each of whom scored 29 factors on the evening.
The Celtics set a horrible NBA playoff document by lacking 45 three-pointers, which definitely performed a component. However the Knicks deserve credit score for locking in and getting the job carried out.
The plaudits for this win will rightly go to the aforementioned Knicks stars. However two key difference-makers have additionally acquired their flowers from an NBA legend.
As a Los Angeles Lakers legend, it’s secure to imagine that Magic Johnson loved watching that Celtics loss. He definitely appreciates what the Knicks did.
Magic broke down the sport in his customary easy style on X. He highlighted the contributions of two unsung heroes, Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride.
‘What a comeback victory in time beyond regulation for the NY Knicks led by OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson, who each completed with 29 factors,” Johnson wrote.
“Two guys that deserve a whole lot of credit score for the victory had been Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride.
“Mikal’s protection was very good, and he hit a key 3-pointer to place the Knicks up in time beyond regulation, and McBride hit three 3-pointers and completed with 11 factors. The Knicks received regardless of lacking 17 free throws!”
Regardless of a Recreation 1 highway win for New York, the sequence has solely simply begun. The Celtics are NBA champions for a motive, and certain received’t shoot 25% from the three-point line once more.
Each groups have elite gamers. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can take over any sport, and Brunson and KAT are able to the identical.
However Bridges is the person the Knicks gave up 5 first-round picks for. And unlocking his offense may very well be the important thing.
Mikal had solely eight factors on the evening, though he hit a clutch three-pointer in time beyond regulation. He was additionally a monster defensively. Carrying ahead that momentum may very well be big.
The previous Suns man averaged 17.6 factors per sport this season. If he can get these numbers on this sequence, it might show to be what pushes the Knicks excessive.