Celtics Bashed by Knicks, Continue Ending Dominant Season on a Low Note

The Knicks entered Thursday's rivalry clash with the Celtics tied with the Atlanta Hawks for averaging the most offensive rebounds per game, generating 12.6 per contest. They quickly showcased that prowess, parlaying six offensive rebounds into nine second-chance points in the first quarter. That helped them produce 20 points in the paint and take a 32-29 lead into the second frame.

Building on that momentum, the visitors staged a 17-0 run that turned a two-point game into a 64-45 advantage. Boston did not make a field goal in the final 6:37 of the second period. After putting only 19 points on the board in the 12 minutes before halftime, the hosts entered intermission trailing 69-48.

Apr 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives against Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.

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New York snagged 12 offensive rebounds in the first two frames, turning them into 17 second-chance points. The C's giving the ball away seven times didn't help their cause either. The Knicks converted those mistakes into a 12-2 edge in points off turnovers.

Jalen Brunson, who shot 7/13 in the first half, including burying a three and blowing a kiss to the crowd, led all scorers with 18 points at the break.

But it was more about New York's ability to parlay stops, including capitalizing on Boston at times being careless with the basketball, that allowed them to live in transition, organically enabling even distribution of the scoring load, that made it most difficult to prevent the Knicks from producing points.

Josh Hart registered 13 in the first half, Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 12, OG Anunoby chipped in ten, and Donte DiVincenzo scored nine. Tatum, who had 13 points after the first 24 minutes, was the Celtics' only player who reached double-digits by the break.

Apr 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) shoots the ball over Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

There were moments where the Celtics looked more engaged in the third frame, like when Tatum charged downhill, splitting Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson for a layup off the right side of the glass. But Boston went nearly the entire period without stringing together positive sequences.

That led to the starters' night ending before the fourth quarter, as Joe Mazzulla pulled them with 47.1 seconds left in the third and his team trailing 98-69. They entered the last 12 minutes down 100-71.

After their second straight loss, a 118-109 defeat, the Celtics are on to the second half of their back-to-back. They welcome the Charlotte Hornets to TD Garden for a Friday night tilt that will tip off at 7:30 EST.

Further Reading

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Aiming to Maximize Championship Window, Celtics Extend Jrue Holiday

Neemias Queta Inks New Deal with Celtics

Seldom-Used Celtics Reserve Showcasing Playoff Value

Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'