BOSTON – The Celtics struggled to find the net.
With each error, the Knicks edged closer.
In a surprising turn during the fourth quarter, the Celtics missed 14 consecutive shots, resulting in a mere 17 points for the quarter. The Knicks ultimately secured a 91-90 win at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
It was a stark contrast from their usual championship form, highlighting a significant breakdown.
“We felt our defense was strong in the fourth quarter,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “That intensity is what we need throughout the game. People often discuss offensive runs, but I believe maintaining defensive pressure can continue yielding results.”
OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges played pivotal roles as the Knicks’ defensive anchors, thwarting Celtics’ attacks.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brown, who had been effective earlier with 20 points, went scoreless in the final quarter, missing all four of his attempts.
Jason Tatum finished with just 13 points on 19 attempts, far from what’s expected from the star player.
After Anunoby intervened to aid Tatum, Bridges clinched the game by intercepting a crucial pass in the dying seconds.
Celtics coach Joe Matzla remarked on the Knicks’ tenacity: “They executed well. We had some promising opportunities, yet those turnovers allowed them to capitalize. They made the key plays for the win.”
It’s quite unusual to witness a championship-caliber team like the Celtics falter dramatically. It raises eyebrows that they’ve experienced this in consecutive games.
Do the Knicks sense when the Celtics start to unravel?
“Honestly, that’s not really on our minds,” noted Josh Hart. “Our focus is on stopping the momentum—if we’re on a run, we aim for another stop. Defensive energy certainly picked up in the fourth quarter, which made a difference.”
