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Villanova's Priceless Reaction to Ex-Wildcats' Big Night in Knicks-Celtics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 6, 2025 6:50 AM ET

The New York Knicks exemplified true grit on Monday, as they bucked the odds and took down the mighty Boston Celtics in memorable fashion.

Down by as many as 20 points, the Knicks refused to surrender, instead using the challenge as fuel, with the trio of ex-Villanova Wildcats stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges putting up significant contributions in New York's 108-105 Game 1 victory.

Brunson finished the contest with 29 points while Josh Hart had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Bridges only had eight points and shot only 3-for-13 from the field but played in 51 minutes and came up with the biggest defensive play of the game with a game-saving steal from Celtics star Jaylen Brown in overtime.

Villanova made sure to give the school's former stars props following the game with a post on X.

“Big Time Performance to steal Game 1 in Boston ,” the Wildcats wrote as a caption for the post that included videos of Hart’s slick undergoal stab in the first quarter and Bridges’ huge steal in OT.

Big Time Performance to steal Game 1 in Boston @jalenbrunson1: 29 Pts | 5 Ast | 4 Reb @joshhart: 14 Pts | 11 Reb
Mikal Bridges: 8 Pts | 7 Ast | 51 Mins pic.twitter.com/2Vx0hlBGMG
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) May 6, 2025

The Wildcats have fond memories of the time with those three players on their roster. Brunson, Hart and Bridges won an NCAA title with Villanova in 2016. After that March Madness run, Hart left for the NBA, while Brunson and Bridges won another title with the Wildcats in 2018 before they decided to turn pro.

This time, the triumvirate is looking to deliver an NBA championship to the Knicks, who last won it all in 1973.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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