Boston celebrated their 18th NBA championship in style on Tuesday night with a commanding 132-109 victory over the New York Knicks, led by Jayson Tatum’s 37-point performance. The Celtics made a statement in the season opener, tying an NBA record with 29 made 3-pointers and reminding the league why they’re still the team to beat.
Celtics Continue Where They Left Off
The Celtics wasted no time establishing their dominance after raising their record-setting 18th championship banner. Jayson Tatum, with a personal vendetta to prove after being benched during the Olympics, exploded with eight 3-pointers. His performance, paired with Derrick White’s 24 points and Jaylen Brown’s 23, put Boston comfortably ahead early in the game.
- Key stats:
- Tatum: 37 points, 8 3-pointers, 10 assists.
- Celtics: 29 made 3-pointers, tying an NBA record.
- Largest lead: 35 points.
As the game wore on, Boston’s offensive firepower overwhelmed the Knicks. Despite their offseason acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, New York struggled to keep pace. By the end of the third quarter, the TD Garden crowd had lost interest in the scoreline and turned their attention to chants of “Yankees Suck!”—a sure sign of a blowout.
Knicks’ New Faces Fail to Deliver
For the Knicks, the high hopes surrounding their revamped roster were quickly dashed. Karl-Anthony Towns, acquired to bring more versatility to the frontcourt, managed just 12 points and seven rebounds. Mikal Bridges, another key addition, struggled in his debut, especially on defense, where Jayson Tatum repeatedly exploited him.
- Knicks’ key performances:
- Jalen Brunson: 22 points.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 12 points, 7 rebounds.
It was a disappointing night for New York, who entered the season with expectations of challenging Boston in the Eastern Conference. Their defense, often cited as a strength, crumbled under Boston’s relentless shooting, and their offense lacked the cohesion needed to compete with the defending champions.
The 3-Point Barrage
The most remarkable aspect of Boston’s victory was their incredible shooting from beyond the arc. The Celtics hit 29 of their 61 3-point attempts, tying the NBA record for most made 3-pointers in a game, a feat first set by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020.
- 3-Point Shooting Breakdown:
- Celtics: 29/61 (47.5%).
- Tatum: 8 made 3-pointers.
- Missed last 13 attempts.
The crowd was fully engaged as the team attempted to break the record late in the fourth quarter, but despite several tries, Boston couldn’t connect on a 30th 3-pointer. Payton Pritchard dribbled out the clock on the final possession, leaving fans both satisfied and disappointed as they fell just short of history.
Knicks’ Offense Lacks Firepower
While the Celtics were firing on all cylinders, New York’s offense appeared disjointed. Jalen Brunson provided a solid contribution with 22 points, but the Knicks lacked a consistent threat to match Boston’s firepower. Mikal Bridges, expected to be a crucial two-way player, struggled on both ends of the floor. His defensive lapses allowed Tatum to find his rhythm, and he shot just 7-for-13 in the second half.
The Knicks’ inability to defend the perimeter was evident, as they allowed a barrage of open shots from Boston’s shooters. Their offense, meanwhile, never quite found its groove, with Towns failing to assert himself in the paint.
- Knicks’ offensive struggles:
- Only two players (Brunson and RJ Barrett) scored over 20 points.
- Towns was held to 12 points, well below his career average.
Banner 18 Energizes Boston
Before the game, the Celtics held a brief but emotional ceremony to raise their 18th championship banner. The crowd at TD Garden roared as the banner was unveiled, setting the tone for a night that would be all about celebration. For Boston, the banner represented not just past glory but a clear message to the league: they intend to add another one soon.
Coach Joe Mazzulla, entering his second season, seemed to relish the moment. “We’re here to defend this,” he said before tip-off, “and I think tonight, we showed what that means.” His team followed through, delivering a performance that lived up to the high expectations placed on them as reigning champions.
What’s Next?
The Celtics’ next game takes them on the road to face the Washington Wizards on Thursday, where they’ll look to continue their strong start to the season. Meanwhile, the Knicks will head home to Madison Square Garden, hoping to regroup ahead of their home opener against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
For New York, the game against Indiana could provide a much-needed reset after the humbling defeat. Coach Tom Thibodeau will need to figure out how to better integrate his new stars into the team’s system if they hope to live up to their preseason hype.