How the Knicks Became the First Team in 30 Years to Overcome a 3-1 Deficit in the Playoffs

The Knicks’ victory marked only the 10th time in NBA playoff history that a team has overcome a 3-1 series deficit. The last franchise to accomplish this was the 1994 New York Knicks, who defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals—also in a Game 7. According to NBA.com’s playoff records, the Knicks’ comeback was the first by a team seeded 6th or lower in the playoffs since the 1998 Utah Jazz (who defeated the San Antonio Spurs).

This season’s Knicks entered the series as underdogs, having lost 12 of their final 15 regular-season games. Their playoff run began with a 105-101 win in Game 1 at home, followed by three straight losses to the Heat, including a 112-106 defeat in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. The turning point came in Game 5, when the Knicks won 118-111 on the road, with Anunoby scoring 28 points and Jalen Brunson adding 26.

Key Stat: The Knicks’ 3-1 comeback is the first in franchise history against a team with a better regular-season record. The Heat finished 54-28, while the Knicks were 43-39.

OG Anunoby’s 33-Point Game 7: The Play That Sealed the Series

Anunoby’s performance in Game 7 was a masterclass in clutch basketball. He finished with 33 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. His game-sealing three-pointer—drawn by a defensive switch—came with 30 seconds left, giving the Knicks a 114-108 lead they would not relinquish.

Anunoby’s heroics extended beyond scoring. He recorded four steals, including one that led directly to a transition bucket by Immanuel Quickley. His defensive versatility—particularly against the Heat’s star guard, Jimmy Butler—was a critical factor in the Knicks’ ability to contain Miami’s offense in the final minutes.

Comparative Context: Anunoby’s 33 points are the most by a Knicks player in a Game 7 since Carmelo Anthony scored 34 in the 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. However, his efficiency (57.9% FG, 31.6% from three) was higher than Anthony’s 44.4% FG and 25.0% from three in that game.

Tactical Shifts: How the Knicks Adjusted to Close the Series

The Knicks’ coaching staff made two critical adjustments that turned the series:

• Small-Ball Lineups: Head coach Tom Thibodeau increasingly deployed smaller lineups in the final three games, pairing Anunoby with Quickley, Brunson, and Mitchell Robinson. This allowed the Knicks to switch defenses more effectively and prevent the Heat’s big men (Bam Adebayo, Max Strus) from dominating the paint. According to NBA Advanced Stats, the Knicks’ small-ball lineups outscored their opponents by an average of 12.3 points per 100 possessions in the final three games.
• Defensive Switching: The Knicks emphasized defensive switching in the second half of Game 7, particularly on Butler. Anunoby and Quickley were tasked with guarding Butler in isolation, forcing him into mid-range shots rather than his preferred three-pointers. Butler finished 6-of-18 from the field in Game 7, his lowest percentage in a playoff game since 2021.
• Late-Game Free Throw Strategy: With the Knicks trailing by six points late in the fourth quarter, Thibodeau called for a timeout to set up a deliberate free-throw attempt by Brunson. The strategy paid off when Brunson hit both free throws, sparking a 10-3 run that put the Knicks within one point.

Coach’s Perspective: “We knew we had to take away Jimmy’s comfort zone,” Thibodeau said in a post-game interview. “If we could force him into mid-range shots and make him take jumpers, we could slow the game down and let our defense rest. OG was the perfect guy to guard him—he’s quick, strong, and he doesn’t back down.”

What This Means for the Knicks’ Playoff Hopes

The Knicks’ series win against the Heat elevates them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will face the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, who defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games, are currently favored by 6.5 points according to OddsShark.

Key implications for the Knicks:

• Momentum Shift: The Knicks enter the next series with a clear psychological advantage. Their ability to overcome adversity—particularly in Game 7—could carry over into their matchup with the Celtics.
• Defensive Identity Reinforced: The Knicks’ success in switching defenses and containing elite guards (Butler, Tyrese Haliburton in earlier rounds) suggests their defensive system is more flexible than initially perceived. This could be critical against the Celtics’ deep roster of shooters (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart).
• Anunoby’s Emergence: Anunoby’s playoff performance (22.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG in the series) has solidified his role as the Knicks’ primary offensive weapon. His ability to score, defend, and facilitate makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches.
• Schedule Impact: The Knicks will have just three days of rest before facing the Celtics, who won Game 6 of their series on May 13. The back-to-back games could test the Knicks’ depth, particularly on the bench.

Historical Note: The Knicks’ playoff run has drawn comparisons to their 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals victory over the Cavaliers, which also featured a Game 7 win after overcoming a 3-1 deficit. That team, led by Patrick Ewing and John Starks, advanced to the NBA Finals before losing to the Houston Rockets. While this year’s Knicks lack the same star power, their resilience has reignited franchise optimism.

Player Reactions: The Emotional Weight of the Comeback

The Knicks’ players expressed a mix of relief and determination in the post-game press conference. Anunoby, who had been the subject of trade rumors earlier in the season, was emotional when discussing his role in the series.

“I just wanted to prove something to myself. When you hear people saying you’re not good enough, you want to show them. But this wasn’t just for me—it was for the whole team. We fought for each other, and that’s what winning looks like.”

Brunson, who scored 22 points in Game 7, reflected on the series’ emotional toll:

“There were moments where I thought, ‘We’re not going to come back from this.’ But then you remember why you play—because you love the game, and you love fighting. That’s what this team did.”

Mitchell Robinson, who averaged 12.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in the series, highlighted the team’s defensive effort:

“We fought for every loose ball, every rebound. That’s what separates good teams from great teams. You don’t just play for yourself—you play for the guy next to you.”

What Happens Next: Knicks vs. Celtics Schedule and Key Matchups

The Knicks will face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series is scheduled to begin on May 20, with Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. Here’s the confirmed schedule:

Key Matchups to Watch:

• OG Anunoby vs. Jayson Tatum: Anunoby will likely be tasked with guarding Tatum, the Celtics’ star forward. His ability to contain Tatum’s scoring (who averaged 30.8 PPG in the playoffs) will be critical.
• Mitchell Robinson vs. Al Horford: Robinson’s shot-blocking and defensive versatility will be tested against Horford, a veteran big man who averages 10.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
• Jalen Brunson vs. Marcus Smart: Brunson’s playmaking will be key against Smart, one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders.

Injury Note: The Knicks’ bench depth will be tested, particularly if Quickley or R.J. Barrett miss time due to fatigue. The Celtics, meanwhile, have no major injury concerns heading into the series.