Boston got scared at the end after controlling most of this first meeting of the 2023-2024 season on the Knicks floor. Despite the efforts of the Quickley-Barrett tandem (24 points each), it was the Celtics of the Jayson Tatum – Kristaps Porzingis tandem who had the last word.
In his old garden, Porzingis was the first to stand out, quickly joined by Jayson Tatum to allow Boston to already create a gap after ten minutes of play (13-24). The Latvian then sent two new 3-point baskets to end the first act with half of the points scored by Boston (18-30).
Imperial Porzingis in “money time”
The Knicks then had to fight hard, to stay in the game (46-51 at the break), then to come back to the score in the middle of the third quarter thanks to 3-pointers from the Brunson-Grimes-Randle trio (66-66) . The Celtics responded by adjusting their level of defensive intensity and relying on Derrick White near the circle and Al Horford Quikcley twice from 3-point range to move forward (68-78).
Immanuel Quickley maintained the pressure almost single-handedly with 6 points at the end of the third quarter (73-82) then a 3-pointer and an assist for RJ Barrett’s 3-pointer to put the Knicks back on track path (83-84). In a Garden on fire, Josh Hart used his outside shot to finally put the locals in the lead (86-84).
As money time approached, Immanuel Quickley regained the upper hand with two baskets including a 3-pointer in response to Kristaps Porzingis (93-91). But the last word came back to the Latvian interior, author of a perfect 6/6 on free throws and a decisive 3-point basket which allowed Boston to approach the last 30 seconds of the match with two possessions away (102-106) and winning 108 – 104.
TO REMEMBER
– The successful debut of Kristaps Porzingis. The Randle-Robinson pair had enough to give him problems but KP started his match well and rode his 3-point skill until the end to punctuate his first outing with the Celtics with 30 points, offering a first glimpse of what he would be able to bring to the Brown-Tatum tandem this season.
– Knicks not far from the score. The New Yorkers managed to find the resources to upset one of the favorites of the Eastern Conference who also took the upper hand from the start of the match. And even with a Brunson-Randle tandem suffering, they were able to find alternatives to scoring, through RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, or Quentin Grimes and Josh Hart in sequences, to stand up to a very good team.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Kristaps Porzingis. A good start and above all a very good end since he made the decisive baskets to ensure the victory for the Celtics. Defense too and a very good first in the end to the credit of the Boston rookie.
✅Jayson Tatum. 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 interceptions, JT was again everywhere and notably proved valuable in keeping his team afloat when the Knicks increased their attacks. A boss match to kick off a great season?
✅Immanuel Quickley. The guard did not sign a contract extension with the Knicks and will therefore be a protected free agent next summer. A situation which does not seem to disturb him given his high-ranking performance. Always as sharp, he will have enhanced each of his passages with 3-point skill (5/7) to fuel his 24 units. Insufficient for this time, but promising for the future.
⛔ The Brunson-Randle tandem. They could have been among the heroes of the evening if the Knicks had held on until the end. But when it comes time to do the math, the shooting clumsiness of Jalen Brunson (6/21) and Julius Randle (5/22) stands out first. Shortcomings which will have cost dearly upon arrival.
⛔ Donte DiVincenzo. Activity but no efficiency for the New York rookie coming off the bench (0/4 shooting), compensated by Immanuel Quickley.
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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.
