The Knicks are showing they can compete, but contending is a different challenge.
After losing three games to the Celtics by an average of over 17 points, they put up a strong fight last night but still left Madison Square Garden empty-handed. They lost a nail-biter, 119-117, despite having a shot at victory against the defending champs.
Star player Karl-Anthony Towns had 34 points and 14 rebounds. He acknowledged the effort but insisted, “We don’t take moral victories.” The game was intense. The Garden buzzed with energy as the Knicks clawed back in the fourth quarter, making the crowd hopeful.
With just seconds left, Josh Hart’s layup had the Knicks up by three. But instead of calling a timeout, the Celtics took it straight to Jayson Tatum, who tied the game with a stunning three-pointer. Hart’s last-second attempt missed the mark, sealing the Knicks’ fate.
This loss contributes to a concerning trend for the Knicks. They’ve now dropped seven of their last eight games against teams with winning records and haven’t beaten the Celtics at home in almost two years. They hold a dismal 12-20 record against winning teams this season.
Experts note that the Knicks need to find a way to win these crucial games. According to recent statistics, they are 0-9 against the top three teams in the league: the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Thunder. They face a tough road ahead if they hope to improve their playoff standings.
Despite the loss, the Knicks still have a shot at claiming the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they need to sharpen their game. Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized, “Until someone proves they can beat them, they’re defending their championship.” The Celtics, who have won 12 of their last 13 games, are a formidable opponent.
Fans were eager to see how the Knicks measured up against a team loaded with talent, including Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, who all came into the game despite various injury concerns. The Knicks did manage to stay competitive, out-rebounding the Celtics and dominating points in the paint.
However, their shooting from beyond the arc struggled much of the game, with the Knicks hitting just 11-of-38 from three-point range. This discrepancy proved consequential, as the Celtics finished with a remarkable 19 three-pointers. Porzingis, in particular, burned the Knicks, scoring 34 points, with eight of those coming from long-range.
In the end, while the Knicks battled valiantly, missing opportunities ultimately cost them the game. Hart summed it up well: “We played good basketball, but not well enough to win.” As they head into the playoffs, they must build on their gameplay and learn from tough losses like this one.
For more about team statistics and player insights, visit [ESPN](https://www.espn.com).
Check out this related article: Joshua Kimmich: Bayern Munich’s 2-1 Defeat to Inter Milan Wasn’t Justified
Source linkNBA,Sports,boston celtics,jalen brunson,jayson tatum,karl-anthony towns,kristaps porzingis,new york knicks,ny sports minute,tom thibodeau
