The Knicks shot an impressive 55 percent from the field, they just couldn’t stop the Celtics, who tied the single-game record for three-pointers made in their 132-109 loss to the defending champions on Tuesday night in Boston.
Here are the takeaways…
-While the Celtics began their defense of their title, the Knicks’ defense was especially lacking early. Boston shot 59 percent from the field including 10-for-17 from three in the first quarter. At halftime, the Celtics shot 55.1 percent from the field and 53 percent from three. The Celtics’ 17 threes were one shy of the NBA record for threes made in the first half.
On the other hand, the Knicks were just 4-for-14 from downtown (28.6 percent).
Those downtown numbers continued to go in Boston’s favor. The Celtics tied the record for 29 made threes with about seven minutes to go, but they just couldn’t make that record-breaking three fall.
At one point, the Celtics were shooting about 60 percent from downtown but missed their last 13 three-point attempts to drop it to 47.5 percent.
-Last season, the Knicks were one of the best rebounding teams, especially in the offensive rebounding department. But on Tuesday, they were bounced. At halftime, Boston had 26 rebounds to the Knicks’ 16. New York also had only one offensive rebound to the six of the Celtics.
The final rebound numbers: Knicks – 41 (five offensive) Celtics – 46 (11 offensive)
–Karl-Anthony Towns had a quiet Knicks debut scoring 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting (1-of-2 from three) to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. As Shaquille O’Neal pointed out during TNT’s halftime show, Kat was passive in his offensive approach, especially in the paint.
–Mikal Bridges had a very difficult first half in his Knicks debut. He was held scoreless in the first half and allowed Jayson Tatumfor which Bridges was the main defender to gain 25 points.
The former Nets would find his stroke in the second half, scoring 16 points on a combined 7-of-13 shooting (2-of-7 from three).
Tatum had a game-high 37 points on 14-of-18 shooting. Jaylen Brown23 points, Derrick White (24), Jrue Holiday (18) and To Horford (11) all scored in double figures.
–Tom Thibodeau‘ the rotation was nine deep in the first half. Newbie Cameron Payne and a novice Pacome Dadiet got a few minutes with Jericho Sims and Deuce McBride was the other off the bench before Thibs cleared the bench with about five minutes to go in the game and the Knicks were down by nearly 30 points.
-Where would the Knicks be without McBride? The young guard started his scoring 5-for-5 and was the Knicks’ only scoring option for a good part of the first half.
McBride scored 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting (4-for-5 from three).
Jalen Brunson scored 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting in 24:30 minutes on the floor. Josh Hart scored 12 and AND Anunoby scored four points.
Game MVP: The Boston Celtics
Yes, the Celtics did everything right. They scored, rebounded and defended well. They broke the single-season hat trick record was impressive for a team that looked like they wanted to really win that game.
highlights
What follows
The Knicks will look to get in the win column on Friday, October 25. They will face the Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
