The New York Knicks faced another tough loss against the Boston Celtics, going down 118-105 in a game marked by moments of struggle and a lack of defensive intensity. Despite showing signs of improvement compared to their previous outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks were unable to close the gap and find consistent rhythm throughout the game.
In a brief surge during the third quarter, New York reduced the Celtics’ lead to four points after benching Mikal Bridges in favor of Miles McBride. However, once Bridges returned and Jalen Brunson took a quick rest, the Knicks reverted to lackluster defense, allowing Boston to reclaim control. Bridges, who was acquired for five first-round picks to bolster the Knicks’ defense against elite wings, scored only 14 points, with nearly half coming during garbage time. The team’s defensive woes were evident as they were outscored by 23 points during his 28 minutes on the court.
The Knicks’ struggles were apparent from the start, as they quickly found themselves trailing by double digits, allowing a staggering 39 points in the first quarter alone. Celtics star Jayson Tatum was a significant thorn in their side, finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double with 25 points. In their three matchups this season, the Knicks have been consistently outmatched, with an aggregate scoring deficit of 63 points against Boston.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau attempted various defensive strategies, including assigning OG Anunoby to guard Tatum rather than Bridges. While the adjustments showed some promise in the second half with McBride’s increased perimeter presence, they were insufficient to turn the tide. The Knicks’ center, Karl-Anthony Towns, also experienced difficulty defending Boston’s screens, allowing Kristaps Porzingis several open shots, which he capitalized on successfully.
Despite Josh Hart’s return from a two-game absence—with 20 points and nearly a triple-double to his name—the team couldn’t capitalize on their starting lineup being intact. Overall, the result highlighted the Knicks’ challenges against top-tier teams like the Celtics, leading to questions about their competitiveness as they continue to lag behind in the Eastern Conference race.
In light of these challenges, it’s hopeful that the Knicks can use this experience to refocus and address their defensive strategies moving forward. With upcoming games, there remains an opportunity for growth and improvement to elevate their standing in the league.