The New York Knicks showcased their resilience once again, overcoming a staggering 20-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108-105 in Game 1 of their playoff series. This marked the Knicks' fourth comeback victory in the postseason, and they executed a remarkable 31-11 run in the second half. The Celtics struggled with their shooting, failing to capitalize on numerous opportunities, particularly from beyond the arc, where they shot a mere 25%.

Despite a strong first half, the Celtics fell apart in the final moments, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for a dismal 20% from the three-point line. Meanwhile, Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby heated up, effectively leading their team to victory. The Celtics' inability to close out the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, raises concerns heading into Game 2.

James Harden's performance in the playoffs has sparked criticism despite support from Los Angeles Clippers president Lawrence Frank. Harden played 79 games this season, averaging 22.8 points and ranking fifth in the NBA for assists. Frank noted Harden's leadership during Kawhi Leonard's absence but failed to address his disappointing postseason average of 18.7 points over the series against the Denver Nuggets. Though Harden's player option looms, Frank expressed a desire to negotiate an extension, highlighting Harden's importance to the team's plans moving forward.

The Clippers boasted a 50-32 record, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference, but suffered an embarrassing playoff exit. Frank expressed pride in the team's regular-season success while acknowledging the need for improvements. With a first-round draft pick and various contract situations to navigate, the Clippers aim to balance current competitiveness with future strategies.

Kawhi Leonard enters the offseason healthy for the first time since 2020, after a season marred by injury. Averaging 21.5 points per game, Leonard's health is crucial for the LA Clippers' future alongside James Harden, who averaged 22.8 points and took on a bigger role this season. Despite their efforts, the Clippers faced early playoff elimination for the third consecutive year. Team president Lawrence Frank expresses confidence in the duo's potential, hinting at an optimistic outlook for next season if they can stay healthy and improve their performance. Alongside returning players like Nicolas Batum and Norman Powell, the Clippers aim to augment their roster through free agency.

The Clippers, despite losing Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers and managing Kawhi Leonard's injuries, defied preseason expectations by securing a 50-32 record and a fifth seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff aspirations fell short against the Denver Nuggets in a Game 7 loss, leading to frustration within the team. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed disappointment, emphasizing that a successful regular season is overshadowed by playoff exits.

Key players like James Harden and Norman Powell had standout seasons yet faced scrutiny after underperforming in critical moments. Harden's future hangs in the balance with a player option looming, while Powell's breakout performance may lead to contract negotiations. The team is now looking toward the offseason, where they aim to build on their defensive strength and fine-tune their roster.

Ignoring preseason skepticism, the Los Angeles Clippers concluded the season with a 50-32 record, clinching the fifth seed in the competitive Western Conference. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed frustration over their playoff exit following a 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7. Despite missing key players like Paul George and an impaired Kawhi Leonard for part of the season, the team's defensive prowess was evident, ranking among the best in the league. Players like Derrick Jones Jr. emphasized their belief in their potential, dismissing any narrative of overachievement. As the team looks ahead, key decisions loom regarding players like James Harden and Norman Powell, whose contributions were crucial yet fell short of playoff success.