The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 116-102, extending their winning streak to eight games. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 30 points, while Jalen Brunson had 25 for the Knicks on Saturday.
Despite missing key players Julius Randle and OG Anunoby due to injuries, the Knicks battled hard until the half of the last quarter.
However, the Massachusetts team had excellent shooting performance, guaranteeing their eighth consecutive win.
The first half belonged to Jaylen Brown and Jalen Brunson. Brown dominated for the Celtics with 20 points, while Brunson kept the Knicks in the game with 19 of his own.
Jalen Brunson started strong, participating in 18 of the Knicks’ first 21 points of the game, while Jaylen Brown did nothing less for the Celtics, with ten.
Both teams had been exploring long-distance shots, but were unable to gain any advantage. Al Horford left it 30-26 at the end of the first half.
The Celtics started the second period at a great pace and, after Payton Pritchard’s basket, led 38-30. But the Knicks quickly reacted and seemed ready to control the game, especially after Donte DiVincenzo’s basket from the perimeter.
However, the difference was around four points. However, the visitors opened ten when Kristaps Porzingis scored a basket, was fouled and converted a free throw.
The hosts finished the first half on a better level, but it still wasn’t enough. Thus, Boston went into the locker room ahead 62-58.
Coming back from halftime, the Knicks tied it at 64 when Jalen Brunson hit a three-point play against the Celtics.
However, in a short time, Boston hit four baskets from the perimeter in a row and led 76 to 66. The New York team even came close again, but in a matter of minutes the visitors opened 13.
Brown’s bucket extended the Celtics’ lead to 17 points, as the Knicks struggled to respond.
Sam Hauser left it at 91 to 75, Precious Achiuwa cashed in, but Kristaps Porzingis hit from distance. Then Jayson Tatum increased it to 20.
Finally, in the decisive 12 minutes, New York’s reserves managed to cut the difference to nine, but the reaction was short-lived.
Brown and Tatum made consecutive baskets and the Celtics beat the Knicks 105 to 90. Then, the visitors just controlled the score and secured the win.
