Both on a winning streak before tonight, the Celtics and the Knicks met again three weeks after having already crossed paths at the opening of the season. This time, the result is the same, since the teammates of Jayson Tatum (35 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds) have again measured the players of Big Apple (114-98), achieving an authoritarian second half to do so.
Because the first period was indeed very balanced, each team going blow for blow in the game. We therefore had to wait until the third quarter to see a first detachment, signed by Boston. Definitely very complementary and sometimes comparable to a steamroller on each side, the Celtic five has gradually taken over that of new Yorkorphaned by RJ Barrett (ill) and guided by the pair Julius Randle – Jalen Brunson (51 points to two).
Once in control, the Celtics then managed their lead, relying mainly on Jayson Tatum in the last act (17 points!) to complete their fifth victory in as many confrontations at home. The Knicks see their series of three successes come to an end, but they were not unworthy against the second best team in the East.
TO REMEMBER
– A gala Jayson Tatum in the last act. Well supported by Jaylen Brown (22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Kristaps Porzingis (21 points, 6 rebounds), “Jay-T” saved the best for last last night. Simply scoring 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, to calm down the Knicks who had returned to one possession and were starting to dream of a comeback in the last twelve minutes. Always very fluid and graceful in attack, even more so when he is hot and successful at 3-points, the All-Star winger has assured and assumed his rank as boss of the Celtics, as well as candidate for the 2024 MVP title.
– Boston took its time before striking. Manhandled in front of their audience, on a second chance or in aggression, the Celtics took a half to get going and leave the Knicks in their behind. One half, the second (62-45), which saw them tighten the screw in defense and rely on their collective, propelled by the Tatum/Brown/Porzingis triplet or the award-winning successes of Sam Hauser coming off the bench . Enough to provide a killer boost, from which the New York players will never really recover, too limited behind the Brunson/Randle duo.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
