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Jaylen Brown Explains the 2 Keys to Celtics’ Win vs. Knicks
The Boston Celtics won their third consecutive game, defeating the New York Knicks for the second time in the young season, 114-98. It was Boston's second game in a row they held their opposition under 100 points, and their second time doing so this season. The Celtics' strength on both sides was highlighted by a stellar performance from their offensive trio.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis combined for 78 points. Tatum and Brown added another highlight together, and they were having pretty similar dominant games until the fourth quarter. Tatum had 17 in the final period to give himself 35, hitting four triples. Porzingis also had a big 21 points on 7-11 from the field and 3-6 from three, with his defensive versatility playing a big role on the glass with Mitchell Robinson and other switches.
The Knicks began the game as the better rebounding team, leading second-chance points early on in the game by 10-2. The Celtics improved that as the game went on, thanks to Porzingis and the defensive focus they showed throughout the second half and specifically the fourth quarter.
Postgame, Brown said that Boston's main focus in helping them secure the win was when they started to limit the Knicks' second-chance points.
"Making it tough, I think no second chance points was the key," Brown said. "We want to be there and help, and we were there. We started off the second half, and we gave up a bunch of open looks to (Quentin) Grimes. Once we took that out, once we inched out on those closeouts, I thought we were fine."
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Brown later says the Celtics had to "get in the mix a little bit," and they "started fighting a little bit in the second half," with the guards also contributing to Boston doing a better job of keeping the Knicks off the offensive glass as the game progressed.
The two-time All-Star mentioned how he enjoys when the Celtics press, as they did tonight.
"I do," Brown said. "I think it speeds up the game a lot. Allows us to get out and run and play at a faster pace."
He added how it can have a significant impact on teams that play with two big men on the floor, like the Knicks.
The Celtics are now 8-2 as they seek revenge versus the 76ers once again in Philadelphia on Wednesday, looking to regain first place in the Eastern Conference.
Further Reading
Celtics' Jrue Holiday Discusses Reaching Career Milestone: 'I Didn't Know it Was Coming'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Boston Celtics' Physicality vs. New York Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Chemistry with Jaylen Brown: 'I Love Playing with Him'
Joe Mazzulla Shares What's 'Far Exceeded My Expectations' of Kristaps Porzingis
Jaylen Brown on Celtics Learning from Losses and Building Chemistry: 'It's a Learning Curve'
Celtics' Stars Shine, Bench Helps Boost Boston to Win in First In-Season Tournament Tilt
Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
