The Boston Celtics kicked off their title defense with a powerful statement, defeating the New York Knicks 132-109 on Tuesday night at TD Garden. The victory came after the team raised its 18th championship banner. Jayson Tatum led the charge with a spectacular 37-point game, as the Celtics tied an NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a single game, reminding the league why they remain the team to beat.
Tatum and the Celtics Pick Up Right Where They Left Off
From the opening tip-off, Boston showed no signs of a championship hangover. Following an emotional banner-raising ceremony, the team immediately established its dominance. Jayson Tatum, seemingly on a mission after a quiet summer, was unstoppable from the start.
He finished the night with an incredible performance, scoring 37 points while dishing out 10 assists. His scoring was fueled by a barrage of long-range shots, as he connected on eight 3-pointers.
He wasn’t alone in the effort. Derrick White added 24 points and Jaylen Brown contributed 23, creating a balanced attack that the Knicks had no answer for. The Celtics’ offense was so overwhelming that they built a lead as large as 35 points, turning the fourth quarter into an early celebration for the home crowd.
A Record-Tying Night from Beyond the Arc
The story of the game was Boston’s historic shooting performance. The team was on fire from the three-point line all night, putting on a clinic that left the Knicks’ defense scrambling. By the final buzzer, the Celtics had made 29 three-pointers, tying the all-time NBA record.
The record, first set by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020, was within reach of being broken late in the game. The TD Garden crowd was electric, cheering with every attempt in the final minutes.
Key shooting statistics from the game include:
- Team Performance: The Celtics shot 29-for-61 from deep, an efficient 47.5%.
- Tatum’s Contribution: Jayson Tatum made 8 of those 3-pointers himself.
- A Near Miss: The team missed its last 13 attempts, falling just short of setting a new record.
Despite not hitting the 30th three, the offensive display was a clear warning to the rest of the league about Boston’s firepower this season.
Knicks’ New Faces Stumble in Season Opener
While the Celtics celebrated, it was a frustrating debut for New York’s newly acquired stars. The Knicks entered the season with high expectations after adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, but both players struggled to make an impact against the defending champions.
Karl-Anthony Towns, brought in to provide frontcourt scoring, was held to just 12 points and 7 rebounds. Mikal Bridges also had a difficult night, particularly on the defensive end where he was often matched up against a red-hot Jayson Tatum. Jalen Brunson was a lone bright spot for New York, leading the team with 22 points.
Here is a look at how the key players performed:
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 37 | 10 | N/A |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 22 | N/A | N/A |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 12 | N/A | 7 |
The Knicks’ defense, considered a team strength, was unable to contain Boston’s perimeter shooting, and their offense never found a consistent rhythm.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Celtics will look to carry this momentum on the road as they travel to face the Washington Wizards on Thursday. This dominant opening night performance has set a high bar for their title defense campaign.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks will return home to Madison Square Garden for their home opener against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Coach Tom Thibodeau and his staff have a short turnaround to address the team’s defensive issues and find a way to better integrate their new pieces into the offense.
