In a commanding performance, the Boston Celtics secured their eighth consecutive victory by defeating the New York Knicks 116-102 on Saturday night. Jaylen Brown led the charge with an impressive 30-point performance, supported by Kristaps Porzingis who contributed 22 points to the win.
The Celtics, currently leading the NBA with a record of 45-12, showcased their dominance in the Eastern Conference with an eight-game lead over Cleveland. Despite their comfortable position in the standings, Brown emphasized the importance of focusing on matchups and playing hard as the postseason approaches.
Alongside Brown and Porzingis, Jayson Tatum added 19 points, six assists, and six rebounds, while Derrick White chipped in with 13 points. The Celtics have been in exceptional form, winning 10 of their last 11 games.
Celtics coach praised Tatum's performance, highlighting his ability to control the game with his playmaking skills and defensive prowess. Tatum's contributions were instrumental in Boston's victory over the Knicks.
New York's Jalen Brunson led his team with 34 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Celtics' strong offensive display. Boston's trio of Brown, Tatum, and Porzingis propelled a decisive 30-11 run in the second half, putting the game out of reach for the Knicks.
Despite a brief resurgence from the Knicks, the Celtics capitalized on turnovers and missed shots to secure a comfortable lead and seal the victory. Brown's early scoring burst set the tone for Boston, as they maintained a lead throughout the game.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers in their next game, while the Knicks will host the Detroit Pistons. Boston's impressive form and cohesive team play have positioned them as a formidable force in the league, with their sights set on continued success as the season progresses.
Sources: AP NBA