Knicks vs. Celtics: Halftime Thoughts From a Prime Time Thriller

At halftime at Madison Square Garden, the Boston Celtics lead the New York Knicks 62-58 in a crucial Eastern Conference clash. Jaylen Brown leads Boston with 20 points while fellow NBA All-Sar Jalen Brunson has added 19 more.

What can be taken away from a Knicks perspective?

Hey Now, You're (Back to) An All-Star

Brunson shook off a bit of an All-Star hangover on Thursday, losing seven turnovers and shooting 5-of-18 from the field, though he was able to sober up thanks to a perfect tally from the foul line and the work of Precious Achuiwa, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Josh Hart. This time, though, Brunson made sure the Knicks would stick around, scoring 13 points in the opening period while his friends continue to recover. At some point, the question has to be asked ... what more does Brunson have to do to warrant true, legitimate MVP consideration?

Can Bench Ride McBride?

The Knicks made several moves in the name of moving up the Eastern Conference leaderboard, but the timing has been a bit off considering the continued absence of three starters. Acquiring Bogdanovic and Alec Burks provided them with one of the deepest rotations in the Association and each is starting to live up to that reputation they brought with them from Detroit: Bogdanovic put up a perfect night from deep in Philadelphia while Burks scored five quick ones and dished out two assists. An even more pleasant surprise has been the efforts of Miles McBride, who was originally listed as questionable on Saturday's injury report: well-regarded for his defense, McBride has scored nine in the early going on a perfect 4-of-4 effort.

Have a Hartenstein!

Brunson recently praised Jaylen Brown for braving the modern stigma of the Salm Dunk Contest. Brown has taken his words to heart, leading a Boston charge that has dominated the interior. More than half of Boston's points have come in the paint and the Knicks have been unable to stop them, leading to wide space at the top of the key when they try to collapse (Boston was 6-of-14 from three-point range). The struggles coincide with the continued reintegration of Isaiah Hartenstein into the lineup after he missed three games with a sore Achilles. Hartenstein has played much longer compared to his "frustrating" return on Thursday, but the depleted nature of the current New York lineup has forced Josh Hart to play 22 of 24 minutes. The Knicks would be wise to sustained some chargers and get more physical if Boston continues the trends in the second half.