Knicks Turn Up the Heat: Second Straight Win Over Celtics Following Slow Start

It seems Tom Thibodeau may have been lending a hand to his former team after all.

In their recent matchup, the Knicks faced the Celtics, who were still missing their star player, Jayson Tatum. This absence was felt in their previous playoff encounter last spring, and it was clear that without Tatum, the Celtics struggled. On Friday night, the Knicks took advantage, winning 105-95 at Madison Square Garden.

Despite a slow start, the Knicks found their rhythm. They trailed after the first quarter but exploded in the second, scoring 42 points to take a commanding lead. Jalen Brunson stood out, scoring 31 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 26 points and 13 rebounds. This victory marked the Knicks’ second win under their new coach, Mike Brown.

At the morning shootaround, Jaylen Brown from the Celtics expressed excitement about the game, saying, “Tonight should be a fun one.” However, it turned into a tough night for the Celtics as they faced a powerful Knicks team.

The Knicks showcased impressive teamwork, with contributions from the bench playing a crucial role. In that second quarter, they had eight players scoring and notched 10 assists on 12 made baskets. This level of collaboration is essential in basketball; as stats show, teams with good bench depth often perform better over a season.

Brunson highlighted the bench’s impact: “We didn’t finish the first quarter strong, and then our bench really sparked us.” Their energy resulted in an 11-0 run, and they hit six three-pointers during that quarter, overpowering the Celtics. The Celtics, on the other hand, were limited to just four field goals in the entire period.

Coach Brown emphasized the Knicks’ defensive potential: “We can be a monster of a defensive team.” This ability to create turnovers and push the pace will be vital as the season progresses.

Statistically, the Knicks significantly outperformed the Celtics on the boards, grabbing 16 more rebounds and turning those into 21 second-chance points. Josh Hart’s return from injury seemed to bolster their efforts, with him securing six offensive boards.

Ultimately, the Celtics struggled to respond, never threatening the Knicks after halftime. The Knicks played as if they were in control, even without starting center Mitchell Robinson. This game highlighted the importance of depth and adaptability in the league.

As the season unfolds, expect more thrilling moments as teams like the Knicks find their footing and navigate the ups and downs of the NBA landscape.

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NBA,Sports,boston celtics,jalen brunson,josh hart,karl-anthony towns,mike brown,New York Knicks