Boston Celtics Bury New York Knicks as a Nor’Easter, Win 131-104

On February 9, 2025By Littum

The Boston Celtics Took the floor of Madison Square Garden with their lead so far in the season series between themselves and the homeland, New York Knickson the line. And maybe the other seed in the east also with Celtics, which has a 1.5 game lead over Knicks at Tipoff.

Celtics jumped out to a quick 12-2 lead in the first quarter and completed the frame 30-19 with a sizzling start to the offensive end of the court while bothering Knick’s defensively. New York started chip away at the lead early in the second frame, but Boston responded back with the help of the bench by Payton Pritchard, the lead for Celtics, which went into half 61-48.

The penultimate framework began with Knicks cutting the lead to 3 with a 7-2 early race, but Tatum started warming up again, Boston responded with a 19-3 race to enter the fourth up 96-76. Celtics closed the last quarter hot but Knicks showed short signs of life short before Boston came alive again and won the competition

What went wrong

For the hometown of the hometown, ABC, who sent early in the game, was the first sign that things would not go well for the hometown. New York’s defense, especially beyond the arch, was away from RIP. Knicks’ shooting in general was also not good early when they got 2-of-17 start to the first one.

February 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knick's center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) stains for a jump shot ahead of Boston Celtics Guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the first quarter of Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Misted Photos — February 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knick’s center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) stains for a jump shot ahead of Boston Celtics Guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the first quarter of Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Misted Photos

For Boston went very little wrong from tip to buzzer except for some regrettable bad calls.

What went right

It was a hot start for Jayson Tatum, who spurred an early Celtics attack to get the lead and never give up on it. Luke Kornet’s defense played an important role in the paint to start the game as well. An al Horford challenge in the first also helped make Boston go early on psychologically.

Jaylen Brown’s midrange was also on the tip, and Tatum was warm again in the third quarter gave Boston the momentum they needed to close the competition strongly on the road.

February 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics Guard Jaylen Brown (7) seems to be placing against New York Knicks Guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first quarter of Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Misted Photos

For Knicks, Cam Payne poured into some buckets in the other, causing New York to flirt with a comeback. Their team defense in the early third quarter also contributed to this mirage, but a little else went well for knicks.

What decided the game

Boston played focused, connected to defense while attacking the cup and using a varied offensive approach throughout the game that kept Knick’s guessing. This was an example of Boston on their best and played a complete game as a committed team against a quality opponent.

February 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics Center Luke Kornet (40) seizes a rebound in the first quarter against New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Misted Photos

As much as we may not like switch-flipping of this version of Celtics, it’s hard to discuss that it’s not a real thing at this time either.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics Bury Knicks as a Nor’Easter, Win 131-104