With a strong offensive performance in a 116-102 victory over the Knicks on Saturday night, the Celtics extended their winning run to eight games. Over the first three quarters, Boston shot 68 percent from the field, which allowed them to overcome the Knicks, who were shorthanded and without three players in the frontcourt. As Boston won their eighth straight road game, shooting 57.5 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range, Jaylen Brown (30 points) led six different Celtics to finish in double figures. In addition, Kristaps Porzingis scored 22 points against his old team.
For the home team, Jalen Brunson finished with a game-high 34 points, but he did not receive much assistance from his supporting cast because no other Knicks player scored more than 16 points. With one game left, Boston’s record against the Knicks this season is now 4-0 thanks to their triumph.
With all five of its starters playing, Boston’s record during the season is now 24-5 thanks to the victory. The Celtics will now host the Philadelphia 76ers in the first game of a three-game homestand on Tuesday night.
These are the four things to remember from Saturday night’s Celtics victory.
The starting frontline of the Knicks was out due to injury, and the Celtics had to contend with a depleted frontcourt from the start. This was evident defensively. With their height advantage and the hosts’ lack of rim protection, Boston dominated in the paint, hitting an incredible 66 percent from the field and 80 percent from two-point range (20 of 25). Boston had a 36–22 advantage in points in the paint, but the Knicks chose to try to block the 3-point line, which resulted in a 14–9 reduction in their 3-point attempts. With 20 points in the first half, including 7 of 8 from two-point range, Jaylen Brown led the way in this area. The only current Celtics player who did not shoot at least 50% from the field is Kristaps Porzingis.
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