Nuggets And Knicks Upset Thunder And Celtics In Conference Semifinal Openers

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Post on May 08, 2025

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Nuggets and Knicks Upset Thunder and Celtics in Conference Semifinal Openers

Denver and New York steal Game 1 victories, shaking up the NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs exploded into unexpected territory Wednesday night as both the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks pulled off stunning upsets in their respective Conference Semifinal openers. The underdogs delivered powerful performances, leaving fans and analysts questioning the established playoff narratives. The wins signal a potential shift in the power dynamics of the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Nuggets Shock the Thunder in Oklahoma City

The Denver Nuggets, despite facing a boisterous crowd in Oklahoma City, dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, securing a convincing 115-103 victory. Nikola Jokic, the reigning two-time MVP, led the charge with a triple-double, showcasing his unparalleled skill and court vision. His performance solidified his status as a frontrunner for the MVP award again this season. Beyond Jokic's brilliance, the Nuggets demonstrated impressive team cohesion, with Jamal Murray contributing a crucial 28 points.

Key factors contributing to the Nuggets' victory:

• Jokic's dominance: His all-around game proved too much for the Thunder to handle.
• Strong supporting cast: Murray, Porter Jr., and Murray provided consistent offensive support.
• Defensive intensity: The Nuggets effectively contained Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, limiting his scoring opportunities.

This upset sends a clear message: the Nuggets are a serious contender, capable of dethroning even the most formidable opponents. The Thunder, while possessing young talent, face an uphill battle to overcome such a commanding Game 1 loss. The series is far from over, but the Nuggets have established a significant early advantage.

Knicks Stun Celtics in Madison Square Garden

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks pulled off a monumental upset against the Boston Celtics, winning 108-101 at the legendary Madison Square Garden. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the home crowd's fervent energy and the Knicks' surprisingly strong performance. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' star point guard, delivered a masterful performance, orchestrating the offense with precision and scoring crucial points in the clutch. The Knicks' defense also played a pivotal role, effectively disrupting the Celtics' rhythm and limiting their scoring opportunities.

Factors that led to the Knicks' victory:

• Brunson's leadership: His playmaking and scoring were instrumental in securing the win.
• Robust team defense: The Knicks stifled the Celtics' offensive firepower.
• Home court advantage: The electric atmosphere in MSG fueled the Knicks' energy.

This win marks a significant turning point for the Knicks, who have exceeded expectations throughout the playoffs. They've proven their resilience and their ability to compete with the league's elite teams. The Celtics, despite their star power, will need to adjust their strategy and elevate their game to avoid an early exit.

What's Next?

Game 2 in both series promises to be equally exciting. The Thunder and Celtics will be looking to bounce back and level the score. But the Nuggets and Knicks have clearly demonstrated their playoff mettle and will be looking to capitalize on their early momentum. These unexpected victories have injected a much-needed dose of unpredictability into the NBA Playoffs, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come. The remaining games of the Conference Semifinals are shaping up to be a must-watch spectacle.