You should skip this one if you’re a Boston Celtics fan. The New York Knicks have again engineered a 20-point comeback by dominating the second half to pull out an improbable 91-90 road victory.
The Celtics hit one shot over the last 8:40 of the game, surrendering a 21-2 lead to lose the lead late. Their offense collapsed again, allowing the Knicks to storm back in crunch time and take their first lead of the game with two minutes left. Before the next game, there will be a few days of soul-searching in Boston.
This performance was carried by their defense. New York held Boston to 36% shooting, including 25% from deep, and only 17 points in the fourth quarter. They also forced 17 turnovers, including one to clinch the game.
Though it wasn’t the best scoring night for Jayson Tatum ($9,200, 46.5 FPTS) with 13 points, he certainly did work on the defensive end. Boston’s star grabbed 14 rebounds in addition to three steals and a block. The discussion will be about his late-game possession. Down 91-90, he dribbled out 10 of the last 12 seconds before being double-teamed and coughing up the ball to seal a Knicks win.
Boston’s scoring was carried by Jaylen Brown ($7,100, 31 FPTS) and Derrick White ($6,500, 44.25 FPTS), who scored 20 points apiece. White also pitched nine important rebounds, five assists, and two blocked shots.
To the surprise of nobody, Jalen Brunson ($8,200, FPTS) came alive in the clutch, willing the Knicks into the lead. You wouldn’t know it looking at the box score, but Mikal Bridges ($5,900, 34.25 FPTS) keyed the whole comeback. He scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter in addition to seven rebounds, five assists, and a game-sealing steal on Jayson Tatum.
New York also got a massive performance from Karl-Anthony Towns ($7,600, 45.25 FPTS), who posted a massive 21-point, 17-rebound double-double. Josh Hart ($6,700, 39.5 FPTS) also made a huge contribution with 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Game 3 will be played in New York on Saturday at 3:30 ET. The Celtics open as -5 road favorites at -205 on the money line. The total is set at 205.5.
