1985 NBA Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, December 25, 1985, Rookie Ewing Beats Boston's Big Three

BOS 104, NYK 113 - The New York Knicks stormed back from a 25-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics in double overtime at Madison Square Garden. Knicks center Patrick Ewing scores 32 points while Celtics big man Kevin McHale posts 29 points. Player of the game: Patrick Ewing: 32 PTS, 13-24 FGM, 54 FG%, 6-8 FTM, 11 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK On Christmas Day 1985, the Celtics faced the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and Danny Ainge recalls the game as one of the team's worst losses. Despite holding a 25-point lead, Boston lost in double overtime. The defeat was particularly shocking because the Knicks, led by rookie Patrick Ewing, were not a strong team. However, this loss turned out to be a pivotal moment for the Celtics. They went on to finish the season 46-8 and won the NBA championship with what is widely considered one of the greatest Celtics teams ever. The 1985 game had a few notable subplots. It was the only NBA game broadcast on Christmas that year, and the Celtics were required to travel to New York on Christmas Eve to avoid a $15,000 fine. Kevin McHale defied this rule, choosing to stay home with his family and arriving in New York on Christmas morning. He accepted the fine, which was never actually imposed. The Celtics were in a rut during this period, with Larry Bird's back sore and coach K.C. Jones struggling with rotations. The 113-104 loss to the Knicks was especially disappointing, as Celtics owner Alan Cohen, a New York native, was disheartened by the team's performance. McHale led the Celtics with 29 points but had a rough shooting game, including a missed potential game-winner blocked by Ernie Grunfeld. The night after the game, Bird and Jerry Sichting, with their families away, had a beer together at Bird’s house. A local police visit led to Sichting securing free parking passes for a tennis tournament the following summer, turning a tough day into a minor win.