BOSTON — The Celtics went up big on the Knicks after a slow start, grabbing the 123-117 win Tuesday at TD Garden. The C’s improved to 12-9 with the victory while the Knicks dropped to 13-7.
It was all Knicks from tipoff as they hit 3-pointers early, leading by 14 points midway through the second quarter. But then the Celtics overwhelmed the Knicks. They finished the first half on a 33-13 run, flipping it to a six-point lead by the break. Jaylen Brown was excellent, scoring 18 points in the second quarter alone.
The Celtics maintained that advantage with another stellar offensive showing in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 36-24. While the Celtics’ lead ballooned to 18 points, the Knicks cut it down to a three-point game in the fourth quarter. New York was unable to grab the lead as Boston kept them at arm’s length.
Brown led the way for the Celtics with a season-high 42 points.. Derrick White added 22 points and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns put up 29 points and seven rebounds while Mikal Bridges had 35 points and six rebounds.
The Celtics face the Wizards at 7 p.m. Thursday in Washington D.C. for their next game. Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over New York:
Fending off: The Knicks looked like they had no life down big against the Celtics, but they clawed their way back in the fourth quarter. However, the C’s never let them take the lead during the comeback attempt. Tuesday goes down as another clutch game as the C’s battled to a close finish. Brunson was inefficient all night, finishing 6-for-21 from the field, as the droves of defenders thrown his way did their job. It got close at the end, but the Celtics did enough to seal the victory.
Couldn’t miss: Brown started Tuesday a little careless with a couple fouls and three turnovers just a few minutes into the game. He was at four points after the first quarter. But that all changed. Brown’s shot-making was off the charts as he finished 16-for-24 from the floor and he seemingly couldn’t miss inside the arc. It was already the 11th time in 21 games Brown scored at least 30-plus points, including four of the last five. Brown has filled up the scoring this season as the Celtics’ top option and that continued Tuesday.
Going small: Neemias Queta got the start, but it’s clear Boston’s small-ball lineups are gaining traction. The Celtics went small at multiple points Tuesday, relying on Josh Minott to fill that role. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla has featured those lineups throughout the season, and Boston had success with those looks against the Knicks. Queta finished with 21 minutes as he’s still a huge part of this team, but the Celtics’ willingness to go small has been featured more and more. The Celtics closed the game with Minott at the five, as well.
Wing trio gets it done: The Celtics continue to get some great minutes out of their young, athletic wings. Hugo Gonzalez played stellar defense in his 22 minutes as he got possessions guarding the bigger Towns. Minott (11 points, six rebounds) also matched up on the smaller Brunson, able to use his length and physicality on the perimeter. Jordan Walsh was massive in crunch-time as he finished with eight points and six rebounds. The C’s feature guys who are long, lengthy and willing to scrap defensively. They also have multiple options between the trio as that was a strength Tuesday.